ABC Asking $900,000 For A 30 Second Ad During “Lost” Finale

While the ratings for “Lost” may not be as high as they were at the peak of interest in season two, that’s not stopping ABC from asking for a hefty price for those who want to advertise during the series finale in May.

Advertisement Age reports that the alphabet network is asking for $900,000 per 30-second spot during the 2-hour May 23 finale.   That’s quite a bit higher than they charge for a spot in the show now, where a 30-second spot commands a price tag of roughly $213,000, according to the trade publication.

Rich ad rates are usually limited to those shows that generate the greatest number of viewers, especially in the adults 18-49 demographic. So far this season, “Lost” is only averaging 12.02 million. Still, some advertisers are far more interested in the level of fan devotion rather than the sheer number of devotees who tune into a show.

“There are many advertisers willing to pay a reasonable premium for inventory in programs that generate such a highly passionate and rabid fan base,” Kris Magel, exec VP-director, national broadcast at Interpublic Group of Cos.’ Initiative, told Advertising Age. “There is definitely value in that.”

Series finales can often raise the price tag for ad rates due to the added viewership figures.  “Everybody Loves Raymond” reported charged $1.3 million for a 30-second ad airing during its finale and “Friends” charged between $1.5 and $2.3 million.