Yahoo! Going After TV Dollars With More Original Series

Yahoo! is launching seven to ten new original series this year and may be planning an upfront event to go after TV ad money.

Adweek reports that recently appointed SVP of Yahoo! Media Networks Mickie Rosen is aiming to build up a slate of programming around a central demographic or theme, like cable and the TV networks, and is considering holding an upfront-styled event this year for its advertisers.

In fact, Erin McPherson, VP & Head of Video Programming and Originals at Yahoo!, touted, “Our shows reach more uniques in a given month than visit Hulu, and rival some cable networks.”

Yahoo!’s new slate will focus less on “wrap up” shows (like Prime Time In No Time, which celebrated its 500 millionth view last month) and more on original content, including scripted shows.

This week Yahoo!’s gossip site omg! will premiere Inside & Out, a celebrity-driven health series focusing on beauty, fitness, and nutrition.