While the up fronts are usually a dog and pony show where the big guys parade the latest and greatest programming for the coming year, networks took another angle this year.

Of course programming was still a huge focal point, but networks also combatted OTT competitors by sharing updates on streaming offerings. NBC is rolling out an ad supported streaming option which will be free to all cable subscribers. This in itself is a huge point of differentiation from services like Netflix, which are paid services without ads. Disney announced it received full operational control from Comcast as it relates to streaming (translation: they will get to execute their vision as they see fit). WarnerMedia and CBS also teased advances in their streaming offerings with an increased focus on audience and content.

This move is specifically geared towards Millennials and Gen Z’ers (is that a word?) who are either cord cutters or prefer to view content via non-traditional platforms.