The Frog

A former ION employee predicts that Scripps will rebrand and change the network's programming strategy ahead of sports acquistions.

In my defense, the Variety article called it NASCAR before it was edited.

Nexstar has made their first programming acquistion for the network, a NASCAR docuseries.

Nexstar was essentially paid $54 million to take The CW off of WBD and Paramount's hands. Nexstar has an option to acquire the remaining 25% stake in 2024, or WBD and Paramount can force them to acquire the rest in 2026.

That was quick. Brad Schwartz is named President, CW Entertainment. Here’s an extensive interview with Schwartz on his strategy for the network. Sounds like it’ll resemble Pop TV in the Schitt’s Creek years.

Layoffs have begun. Many longtime CW execs are being replaced by Nexstar staffers. Nexstar is searching for a new programming chief. Former Pop TV head Brad Schwartz is in the running.

THR article on how the network is shaping up under Nexstar. Sook and Miller are said to be fans of Walker, Superman & Lois and Kung Fu. Everything else appears to be on the chopping block. They're looking to reduce the licensing fees that CW is spending on their current lineup. Walker reportedly costs $3 million an episode, which is already on the lower end of broadcast budgets. Miller is keen on delivering multicam sitcoms and more unscripted fare.

In addition to Pedowitz's departure, Nexstar also let go of two longtime CW execs.

This could become a reality as Comcast is looking to make cuts to NBCU's network operations.

I wonder how much of CW's reportedly extravagant programming spend went towards licensing the syndicated content that runs on there. I suppose there's nothing stopping Nexstar from blowing up those deals and simulcasting Antenna TV or Rewind TV in place of that content.

Nexstar's programming direction for The CW includes procedurals and sitcoms.

Studios license shows to their sibling networks, yes.

WWE's ratings have remained relatively stable while the rest of linear TV collapses, so they've suddenly become a hot commodity in the sports rights fee arms race. Will they stick to linear or go to streaming? The next round of negotiations will be interesting to keep an eye on.

Here he is dropping a tease about potentially pursuing sports rights (0:49):

This tidbit stood out to me: How the hell?

While the acquisition isn't formally closed yet, Nexstar is immediately assuming corporate oversight of The CW. Nexstar plans to spend $2 billion a year on programming for the network, and will target an older demographic.

Speaking of which, I haven't heard a peep out of them regarding their fall schedule yet.

SN1 is now OTA in DFW. Spectrum News 1 to broadcast over-the-air on KAZD-TV

The channel goes dark on Sept. 30 NBCUniversal Will Unplug The Olympic Channel After Five-Year Linear TV Run

Formal announcement from Disney that 9-1-1, American Housewife, and The Rookie will enter broadcast syndication this fall.

Potentially related.

Sook is confident that they'll own a broadcast network.

There's been radio silence since the initial report in January, aside from Deadline saying last month that the deal is closing soon. I think the situation is still fluid. The moving to streaming scenario may have been an option that was discussed and the showrunner heard it through the grapevine. It could be that WBD sees the value in keeping the CW entity in-house and moves the branding and content to HBO Max. Nexstar gets sold a blank broadcast network infrastructure that they can brand and program how they see fit.

The trades consistently report that Paramount and Warner will retain a minority stake in the network post-sale and continue to supply programming. Most of the shows that were killed off this season were tied into the old Netflix deal and thus The CW was unable to monetize the stacking rights for AVOD. That won't be the case for the new crop of shows. THR reports that Nexstar is particularly interested in that revenue.