Comcast launches self-service TV ad platform

Comcast Spotlight, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, is launching Comcast Spotlight TV Ad Planner, a self-service buying option.

The service is geared toward letting small business owners and local advertisers plan, design and manage advertising campaigns within a more affordable and flexible framework.

“TV Ad Planner provides a seamless, independent experience, allowing all customers, regardless of size, to use one of the most influential and powerful mediums to grow their businesses,” said Hank Oster, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Comcast Spotlight, in a statement. “We are excited to offer this service to customers, providing them with more choice, value and flexibility in their TV buying experience.”

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The company said the new self-service portal will allow small businesses to spend as little as $250 a month and create a TV spot for as little as $295 in less than 72 hours within the portal.

“From education to execution, the online portal guides clients through the full process of planning, buying and airing their TV campaigns. This experience enables businesses to use data informed TV schedules to reach their target customers and achieve the results that only TV can deliver,” said Maria Weaver, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Comcast Advertising, in a statement.

TV Ad Planner is live in 57 Comcast markets, with the final six markets launching later this year. Weaver also said that this is the first step in Comcast Spotlight’s plans to offer more comprehensive, self-service media buying capabilities to its advertisers. The next stages will focus on self-service creative production and access to digital video inventory.