Striking Impact: Reality TV Ad Impressions Down, Sports & News Up

An absence of scripted TV programming for half of 2023 caused by the writers and actors strikes sent brands and audiences looking for alternatives. One may assume that unscripted shows would be an obvious choice, but iSpot’s 2023 TV Transparency Report reveals that reality TV ad impressions actually declined 5.9% year-over-year. Instead, it was the sports and news genres that delivered more ad reach compared to 2022. 

• News programming saw a 4.2% year-over-year increase in TV ad impressions, while sports saw a 6.9% impressions increase vs. 2022. 
• Despite work stoppages that significantly impacted TV schedules, the big four broadcasters stayed fairly consistent in primetime year-over-year, growing TV ad impressions by 2.8%. 
• Those networks also aired 2.9% more primetime minutes of ads. 

For more TV advertising insights, download iSpot’s full 2023 report here.