The CW network has laid off over two dozen employees across its publicity and program development teams as new owner Nexstar continues its efforts to reshape the broadcaster and reach profitability.
Sources close to the situation indicate that the cuts are part of a broader strategy to focus on sports, unscripted programming, and a select number of scripted series. This move comes less than a month after CW network president Dennis Miller announced his departure, with Brad Schwartz taking over as the sole president, according to a report from Variety.
In a memo to staff, Schwartz acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, stating, “We are making these changes not because they are easy, but because we believe they are necessary to build a stronger future for The CW.”
Nexstar emphasized its commitment to streamlining the organization and achieving profitability in a statement, saying, “The CW continues to simplify the organization as we continue to transform the network to reach a broader audience… Saying goodbye to valued colleagues is not something we take lightly.”
Nexstar’s Transformation Strategy Takes Shape
Since acquiring a majority stake in The CW from Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount in 2022, Nexstar has been steadily implementing its vision for the network. This has included a significant increase in sports programming, with the addition of NASCAR Xfinity Series racing and WWE NXT wrestling.
Recent financial results indicate that Nexstar’s strategy is beginning to yield results. The company reported a $36 million reduction in operating losses for The CW in the third quarter of 2024.
Layoffs Follow Recent Leadership Change
These layoffs follow a recent leadership shakeup at The CW. Dennis Miller, who was appointed network president by Nexstar CEO Perry Sook in 2022, exited the role in October. Schwartz, who joined the network as president of entertainment at the same time, has now assumed full responsibility as network president.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The CW’s shift towards sports and unscripted content reflects the broader challenges faced by traditional broadcasters in a rapidly evolving media landscape. As streaming services continue to gain popularity, networks are seeking new ways to attract and retain viewers.
While these layoffs represent a difficult period for those affected, they underscore Nexstar’s determination to position The CW for long-term success. The network’s ability to adapt to changing viewer preferences and deliver compelling content will be crucial in determining its future in the increasingly competitive media landscape.