MTV is the first major cable network to schedule its up-front presentation. Potential advertisers will see a lot from the channel hellbent on reinventing itself, but what they won't see too much about is Skins. For those of you unfamiliar with how upfront presentations work, basically, the network trots out stars, compiles clips, hypes its new shows, pats itself on the back and puts out a message to the movers and shakers describing what they're about and where they're looking to go. They're like mini State Of The Union Addresses for television with less compulsory clapping.
According to The New York Times, MTV has consciously decided to steer away from the controversial lightning rod, though they will showcase the program a bit. You may remember just a few weeks ago, many were accusing the show of child pornography, leading to a mass exodus of advertisers. Since then ratings have dipped, and while the network announced it will air the remaining episodes, they're clearly not excited about portraying Skins as the face of MTV. In the end, that's what an upfront presentation is about. Sure, the network always trots out a few of its highest rated shows, but more than that, they showcase the programs that embody the network's spirit. For example: last year ABC has late night host Jimmy Kimmel host its upfront presentations. He may not be the biggest star on the network, but his affable charm was something ABC was very eager to get across.
UnlessSkins can find solid backing (both from advertisers and the network) quickly, it's becoming more and more likely viewers will need to watch its British counterpart come next season.
