ABC Sells Out Oscar Ads

Much of the inventory was sold by Christmas

By Tim Baysinger -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/5/2013 6:04:15 PM

ABC has sold out its advertising during the upcoming Academy Awards broadcast.

During The Walt Disney Co.'s first quarter earnings call with analysts Jay Rasulo, senior EVP and CFO of The Walt Disney Co., announced advertising on the 85th Annual Academy Awards is sold out. The company described it as the "best selling pace for the Oscars in more than a decade," stating that inventory was almost full at Christmas.

The Academy Awards is usually the top-rated entertainment special of the year, with some advertisers creating new commercials for the event. The awards air Feb. 24.

Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane will make his first appearance at the Oscars as this year's host. Performers this year include Barbra Streisand, Adele and Norah Jones. The show will also do a tribute to the James Bond movie franchise.