Say goodbye to UPN and the WB

[Selly]

link

 

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Warner Brothers and CBS Corp. announced plans Tuesday for the creation of a new broadcast television network, called CW, that would replace the WB and UPN networks in the fall of this year.

 

The new broadcast network will draw on programming from both WB and UPN, and will be a joint venture between Warner Bros. and CBS (Research), with each company owning 50 percent, officials of both companies said.

WB's 'Gilmore Girls' will be one of the shows on the new CW network, officials said.

WB's 'Gilmore Girls' will be one of the shows on the new CW network, officials said.

Video More video

Les Moonves, chairman of CBS, talks about the formation of CW Network, a combination of the WB and UPN networks. (January 24)

Play video

 

"This new network will serve the public with high-quality programming and maintain our ongoing commitment to our diverse audience," said Les Moonves, the chairman of CBS, in a statement (see video).

 

Prime time programming will target the profitable 18-34 age group, officials of Warner and CBS said.

 

The new network will broadcast such UPN shows as "America's Next Top Model" and "Veronica Mars," as well as WB programs "Beauty and the Geek" and "Smallville."

 

In addition, World Wrestling Entertainment's "Smackdown," which has been a mainstay at UPN, is expected to play a role in the schedule. The new fall line up is expected to be announced in May.

 

UPN and the WB have struggled to attract viewers from the four established networks since they were launched in the mid-1990s. But each has its strengths.

 

The WB has had some hits throughout its history, particularly with younger audiences, having done well lately with shows such as "Smallville" and "Gilmore Girls."

 

UPN has recently gained some critical acclaim and strong ratings for its sitcom "Everybody Hates Chris," which airs on Thursday nights and fared well against shows such as NBC's "Joey" and Fox's "The O.C."

 

Both networks will cease operations in September, broadcasting their respective network schedules independently until then.

 

Dawn Ostroff, currently president of UPN, will become president of entertainment, and John Maatta, currently chief operating officer of the WB, will become chief operating officer of the CW.

 

The new network will employ a lot of the same people, "but there will be one person where there used to be two" throughout CW, said James Gross, an analyst with Barrington Research, suggesting that there may be more executive jumbling in the works.

 

Warner Brothers Entertainment is a division of Time Warner (Research), as is CNNMoney.com.

[darin3]

I didn't even know UPN was still operating. Honestly, I never watch anything on that station. Don't really watch much on WB, but I at least know it's there.

[TDFFFreak]

Bummer for my wife who is in the TV biz. Less slots on network television to put her (hopefully) future shows on...

[twiley]

The new network will employ a lot of the same people, "but there will be one person where there used to be two" throughout CW, said James Gross, an analyst with Barrington Research, suggesting that there may be more executive jumbling in the works.

 

That's code for "we're laying off a dickload of people."

[AtomicCEO]

That's a shame. I like smaller networks' ability to be more creative with lower ratings expectations.

 

My wife watches One Tree Hill, Gilmore Girls, and I watch Everybody Hates Chris. It sounds like they are all making the transition.

 

Maybe they'll pick up Arrested Development?

[darin3]

That's a shame.  I like smaller networks' ability to be more creative with lower ratings expectations.

 

My wife watches One Tree Hill, Gilmore Girls, and I watch Everybody Hates Chris.  It sounds like they are all making the transition.

 

Maybe they'll pick up Arrested Development?

 

1285647[/snapback]

 

 

 

I doubt any of those popular WB shows are going anywhere. This is simply a shutting-down of UPN. Now those WWF :nerd:s will simply tune into WB for their sweaty men watching pleasure.

[Savage Beatings]

So, what does CW stand for?

[Big John]

So, what does CW stand for?  

 

1285805[/snapback]

 

 

 

CBS-WB ?

Edited January 24, 2006 by Big John

[darin3]

So, what does CW stand for? 

 

1285805[/snapback]

 

 

 

 

 

CBS-WB ?

 

1285813[/snapback]

 

 

 

Columbia/Warner, the two heavy-hitters in the deal.

[WaterMan]

Can't Watch

[TDFFFreak]

I doubt any of those popular WB shows are going anywhere.  This is simply a shutting-down of UPN.  Now those WWF :nerd:s will simply tune into WB for their sweaty men watching pleasure.

 

1285704[/snapback]

 

 

 

You'd think so, but it is the staff of the WB that is being laid off while the UPN staff will stay intact. People feel UPN is on the up with newer hits such as Everybody Hates Chris and Veronica Mars. Shows like Smallville and Gilmore Girls will probably be making the shift to CW.

Edited January 25, 2006 by TDFFFreak