NBCUniversal recently held its annual upfront presentation to advertisers, where they showcased their upcoming programs and thanked Linda Yaccarino, the outgoing ad sales chief. Yaccarino had just left the company to become the CEO of Twitter. 

The event included a comedic song and dance performance by the animated character Ted, who will have a comedy series on the streaming service Peacock. 

The presentation also addressed the decline in revenue from the US ads business and highlighted NBCUniversal’s investments in Peacock. 

The event took place amidst a writers’ strike, which limited the talent available to appear on stage. NBCU News Group talent and popular shows like Saturday Night Live were featured. The presentation showcased new scripted shows for Peacock and NBC, including Extended Family, Twisted Metal, Found, The Irrational, Apples Never Fall, and Based on a True Story. Musical performances by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Reba McEntire, and Nick Jonas added entertainment to the event. 

Outside the venue, members of the Writers Guild of America were picketing. They planned to protest at presentations by other networks throughout the week.