LOS ANGELES — The stars did not come out for TV's glitzy annual network presentations to advertisers, where they typically show off new and returning series. And viewers may not see many of them when the fall television season begins.
The past week's upfronts, a series of lavishly produced New York events meant to lure billions of dollars in commercial time commitments, were spoiled by the members of the Writers Guild of America picketing outside.
Network presentations — by the likes of ABC, NBC and Fox — sent an inescapable message that the new season will be different, with scripted shows such as half-hour comedies likely to be delayed by the writers strike. Executives showcased fall schedules dominated by reality TV and other nonscripted programming.
