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The problems started with a tweet. Ellen DeGeneres was accused of being “one of the meanest people in the world” and then came a wave of testimonials about the host. It was about discrimination, racism and unfair treatment. There have also been reports of sexual harassment by several different producers.
Two months ago, her television show returned after the scandals. But now the problems are mounting again.
The number of advertisers is significantly lower compared to previous years, according to two employees Buzzfeed has been in contact with.
As a result of lower advertising revenue, employees can no longer produce as much new material as before. The production team shuts down and reuses old clips from previous seasons, according to an employee.
– We try to feed on content, but we have no content.
Critical moment
In November 2019, the official Instagram account of the television show published 12 sponsored posts. This year, the number had halved during the same month.
The quality has also declined in the sponsored giveaways that studio audiences typically receive during high-profile campaigns, according to one employee.
– It feels like an opportunity when it can wear out or break. This will be the most important report for our sponsors. If we can sign contracts with sponsors next year, we will be in the port, then we have succeeded. But if we fail with our message to sponsors … Who knows?
Warner Bros., which owns the show, declined to comment on the Buzzfeed article. But another source says advertising revenue has been negatively affected across the industry.
Celebrities turn their backs on Ellen
It’s also become more difficult to book guests for the show, according to insiders. Celebrities who once frequented white sofas now say no.
– For the first time, they started asking us: ‘If you have any suggestions, feel free to tip us and we will listen. If you have any ideas about a celebrity, even if you are not a celebrity or famous. We accept anyone who gives us viewing figures, ”says one of the employees.
Agents like Buzzfeed say they are wary of booking their artist clients for the show’s current season, and some celebrities are refusing to participate.
– You wouldn’t send anyone to your show right now to avoid anything that could put more negative headlines at risk, says one agent.
Audience figures are falling
In October, viewing was down 37 percent from a year earlier, analytics company Nielsen reports.
A source close to the show says that initial viewership numbers reflected an overall drop in live television, and that preliminary November numbers look better. This is a statement that Buzzfeed has not been able to confirm through Nielsen.
DeGeneres signed a contract to continue the show through 2022, and the channel has told viewers that it is “not going anywhere.”
