Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Fox to charge $500,000 for 30-second advertising slot during debut of new 24 series

 

Sam Masters
Wednesday 05 March 2014 19:55 EST
Comments
Kiefer Sutherland returns as Jack Bauer
Kiefer Sutherland returns as Jack Bauer (Fox Broadcasting Company)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

For Jack Bauer, the grizzled US secret agent, 24 hours is only just enough time to save the world from disaster. But even he might blanch at the value set on just 30 seconds for the new season of Fox’s cult series 24.

According to reports, advertisers will be charged up to half a million dollars for a 30-second advert in the debut of 24: Live Another Day – the much hyped revival of the spy drama. Variety reports that for a spot in subsequent episodes companies will be charged up to $350,000.

The price tag is among the highest on television in the US, with only sports broadcasts thought to attract more advertising money. According to experts, demand for advertising in the programme’s breaks has reached fever pitch ahead of its debut on 5 May. Fox is said to have sought up to $280,000 for a 30-second ad in the show’s eighth season in 2010.

The limited series, of 12 episodes instead of the standard 24, will feature regular cast members, with Kiefer Sutherland returning as Bauer.

It is one of the “event” programmes Fox is said to have based its strategy on this year.

The show has won a cult following across the world, with its real-time format spawning dozens of imitators. During an interview for his new television series, Homeland, 24’s executive producer, Howard Gordon, reportedly described the “absolutely stunning” show’s appeal. “Everyone from Rush Limbaugh to Bill Clinton would talk about it, and we knew they were among our fans,” he said. “I guess people used it as propaganda for their own ideas.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in