Unlocking the Future of Health: Digital Health Networks Partners with NBCU for an Exciting 2025 Upfront

Upfronts season usually runs from late April to May, but this year, a special event took place in early June focused on healthcare.

Digital Health Networks (DHN) hosted a private 90-minute showcase in New York. CEO Jon Cody emphasized the importance of humanizing healthcare through engaging stories. He shared how DHN is building up its production skills with both scripted and unscripted content, documentaries, and new technology like conversational AI.

A key highlight was the announcement of a partnership with NBCUniversal to launch the Care Collective, a healthcare marketing platform. This initiative aims to help brands and health stories connect with audiences while creating authentic health content.

Initial partners include Sermo, an online community for doctors, and Avalere Health, a 2024 MM+M Agency 100 honoree. Cody praised pharma companies for producing compelling video content but noted they often struggle to reach large audiences.

With NBCUniversal’s vast resources, brands can tap into advanced advertising tools like NBC SpotOn to better connect with viewers. The Care Collective will distribute content across NBCU Local’s 11 NBC stations, 31 Telemundo stations, and multiple digital platforms.

Victor Parada of NBCUniversal spoke about the power of storytelling in healthcare marketing. He highlighted that effective narratives can lead to better health outcomes for patients. “This platform is not one-size-fits-all; it’s about co-creating with marketers,” he said.

Throughout the presentation, Cody reiterated DHN’s belief that “Every health story is a human interest story.” The Care Collective will feature various formats, including documentaries, short films, and audio content. Upcoming projects include “Rare, Well Done,” a reality show focused on people living with chronic health conditions, and a health policy program designed to bridge discussions between the healthcare industry and government.

Additionally, Cody announced Storyfile, a conversational AI platform for disease education, and Medi³cine, a talent management agency for healthcare professionals. He stressed the need for genuine, relatable stories to resonate with patients and caregivers.

Interestingly, while many believe Hollywood should influence healthcare storytelling, Cody argues that mainstream media needs to incorporate more health narratives. “We’re drowning in similar commercials, but it’s the unique health stories that truly matter,” he remarked.

Recent studies indicate that healthcare-related content can significantly affect public awareness and patient choices. According to a report from the Pew Research Center, 80% of adults use the internet for health information, making compelling storytelling crucial in today’s media landscape.

As health narratives continue to evolve, the Care Collective represents a significant step in leveraging storytelling to improve healthcare communications and outcomes.

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