Some traditional and new digital networks want to be out front, in front -- but not necessarily upfront. In a recent invite, Turner Entertainment Networks, in preparation for the upcoming TV advertising buying season, eschewed the word "upfront." Instead, the company's event on March 13 was called a "Brand and Programming Summit." The word "upfront" may now begin its dirty legacy, taking up from the always grubby word "commodity" as it pertains to the TV advertising business.

LAS VEGAS -- The eBay media buying system is not about replacing the upfront -- and not about remnant sales either, according to its proponents. What's left? Something in between -- but not necessarily cheap.