Marketplace Roundup

MEDIALIFE MAGAZINE's Kevin Downey noted media buyers report advertising demand for NFL broadcasts "is brisk, although not quite as robust as it was last year." Horizon Media VP & Dir of National TV David Campanelli: "Things are moving along pretty well for NFL sales. Last year, demand was through the roof. This year it's similar but not huge increases over last year." Downey cited buyers as saying that several ad categories "are snapping up inventory, including automotive, which has been slashing budgets elsewhere." Ad prices "are trending up in line with network primetime television, which saw prices increase in this year's upfront market by mid- to high-single-digit percentages over last year" (MEDIALIFEMAGAZINE.com, 7/18).

NOTES: Lucas Oil will be the title sponsor of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Phoenix on November 7, Phoenix Int'l Speedway will announce this week. The Friday night event, the Lucas Oil 150, will be the second of four races during the weekend (Michael Smith, SportsBusiness Journal)....Edmonton-based bank ATB Financial Friday announced it is partnering with the Oilers for four years. ATB Financial signage and ATMs "will likely go up at Rexall Place" (EDMONTON JOURNAL, 7/19).