May 2022- Vol 2. Issue 5
May Upfront
During the month of May in NYC, it’s not just nature that turns the city green. It’s the billions of dollars being negotiated in deals between advertisers and media/ entertainment companies when the frenzied season known as the upfront kicks off. What is the upfront? It’s the time when advertisers have a chance to buy ad space on the networks before the new season of shows begins in the Fall. During this “upfront” period, network ad time is sold at a discounted rate. Think of it as a futures market because no one knows yet the level of ratings these shows will achieve in the Fall or which ones will capture the attention of viewers and which ones will fail.
During the May upfront, entertainment companies will do their best to generate excitement and interest for their new shows and Fall schedules with huge parties, celebrities and events at Radio City, Carnegie Hall and other great venues around the city. It’s invitation-only for media buyers, advertisers, the press and critics.
What’s different about 2022? After two years of virtual events, it’s back to in-person as one unidentified industry executive stated in an interview with TradeDesk “This is a transformational upfront because of the way consumer viewership has changed in television…we’ve kind of normalized and matured as a market in the United States with streaming viewership representing half of consumer time. That reality will be reflected in how the dollars are placed and how we negotiate with our partners…it’s definitely going to be the first upfront where you’re looking at pretty significant split allocations between digital delivery and traditional linear delivery. ” For more background on the upfront and why they matter, this article from IndieWire provides perspective.
There are also NewFronts. During the first week in May, digital entities (IAB) put their technological and measurement capabilities and content offerings on display for media buyers representing agencies and their clients to secure their buys.
A full schedule of all the upfronts and NewFronts can be found in this article. If you are thinking of a career in marketing and media, it’s important to be aware of these events and when they occur. Negotiations usually conclude in the summer with huge implications for marketers and their budgets. So stay tuned.
New York Botanical Garden Orchid Tour
During the last week in April, the MSMI cohort was treated to a luncheon at the NY Botanical Gardens in the Bronx, followed by a guided tour of the spectacular Orchid Show. Everyone enjoyed the gorgeous displays. It was a nice break before finals.
Check out a wonderful video created by MSMI’s Reem AlSarayea documenting the trip when clicking on the image above.
Celebrating AAPI Heritage
There’s so much to explore and learn in NYC during AAPI Heritage Month. Check out exhibits, museums, films, books, restaurants, food with these different guides:
https://asiasociety.org/
And out in Queens, home to the largest AAPI community in the city, the NY Mets are doing several themed baseball events. If you have a group, contact Young Choi ychoi@nymets.com
MSMI Dean’s Honorees
Throughout the semester, MSMI students know they can rely on Dr. Kate Kennon, Assistant Dean, Office of Graduate Academic Advising for help with registration, course selection or whenever they feel overwhelmed. She’s always there for them. Her unfailing devotion and compassion to the needs of the MSMI students was recognized by the Gabelli School at the recent Faculty & Staff Awards ceremony. Dr. Kate Kennon received the 2022 GSB Staff Award for Unity of Heart and Mind.
If you’ve taken a course or worked on a project with Dr. Mohammad Nejad, Area Chair for Marketing, you know he is passionate about giving students the tools to excel and achieve their goals. His drive and commitment to service for Gabelli, the students, the faculty and the staff was recognized with the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Service.
Thoughtful Leaders
MSMI TLC grads: Sahiba Babra, Danielle Drescher, Juliana Rivera and Daiara Martins.
This smiling foursome, along with a number of other MSMI students, recently completed the Thoughtful Leadership Certification program last Friday. The program led by Liz Ostler, Manager of GSB Enrichment programs, is based on the four pillars of an effective leader, one who 'Listens' 'is Ethical' 'Adapts' and 'Develops'
Siddharth Bhuptani said that students got to experience all these aspects throughout the program. Josephine Larbi found the TLC program conveyed how the relationship between self-awareness and fulfillment could help influence her leadership capabilities. For many, the 1:1 coaching sessions were the top highlight.
Sahiba Babra stated, “…it was extremely helpful to receive feedback on growth opportunities that I would not be able to see for myself,” and would definitely incorporate the feedback into her work. Gaia Cioli said that the advice and tips she learned from the coaching sessions would remain for the rest of her career.
DEI Belonging Awards
Last April 27th, the DEI Board of the Gabelli School of Business held the Belonging Awards to honor diversity, equity, and inclusion contributions from a range of stakeholders who make our community more inclusive at the McNally Amphitheater. MSMI’s very own Katrina Velilla won the DEI Graduate GSB Award.
We want to celebrate all the winners and nominees for their contributions to equity and inclusion at the Gabelli School.
Career Prep Snap Chat
During the month of April, in a Zoom Snap Chat, Laura Bassin, CDC advisor, gave students an update on how to register for Career Path and highlighted some of its key features. One great feature is Big Interview, a video interview practice tool. Laura also urged students to make appointments with her for resume reviews and interview prep. Connect with Laura at bassin@fordham.edu
Initiative Media Snap Chat
On May 4, Ricky Treanor GSB’20 and his team from Initiative Media presented a deep dive into digital media and how it works. His team is looking to hire. Please email or apply here flite.avature.net/en_US/careersglobal. Feel free to use Ricky Treanor as the referral. If you have questions, send your resume and an email to him at Ricky.Treanor@initiative.com
Commencement dates
Saturday, May 21, 2022
The main University Commencement ceremony will be held at the Rose Hill campus on Saturday, May 21 at 10 a.m. During this ceremony, the deans of the University will present their graduates as a group and Father McShane will officially confer the degrees on our graduates. A guest speaker and honorary degree recipient will also address the Class of 2022. This year's Commencement speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III.
Tuesday, May 24
Gabelli School of Business (masters and doctoral candidates)
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Edwards Parade
Severe Weather Location: Lombardi Fieldhouse
Call 212-636-6150 for more information