A&E upfront: Making a case for cable

A&E Networks had plenty to brag about during its upfront presentation last night, and indeed its focus was emphasizing the benefits of advertising on its cadre of successful shows, rather than highlighting its upcoming fare.

Chief executive officer Abbe Raven said the networks stress content and the creative process, unlike some competitors, who are more beholden to what helps the company’s bottom line.

The ad sales staff pushed comparisons to broadcast, a measure where A&E Networks shows have done well of late.

A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” has become the No. 1 reality show on cable and actually outdrew Fox’s “American Idol” among adults 18-49 during its most recent season.

History miniseries “Hatfields & McCoys” averaged 14 million total viewers and outdrew everything on broadcast during last year’s late May broadcast.

And recent History miniseries “The Bible” attracted more than 14 million in its series finale earlier this spring.

The company does have some event programming on tap. The miniseries “Bonnie & Clyde” will be simulcast on History, A&E and Lifetime later this year, a first. “Devious Maids” premieres on Lifetime next month. And new seasons of the big hits “Pawn Stars” and “Storage Wars” are on tap.

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