The CW is undergoing layoffs, as owner Nexstar seeks to “transform” the network “to reach a broader and larger audience, continue our march to profitability, and continue to position The CW for long term success,” CW chief Brad Schwartz wrote in a note to employees Tuesday.
In a statement, a Nexstar spokesperson said that “the CW continues to streamline and simplify the organization as we continue to transform the network to reach a broader audience, achieve profitability, and position the business for long-term success.”
“Saying good-bye to valued colleagues is not something we take lightly, and we intend to conduct this process thoughtfully,” the rep continued. “We also are committed to managing through this period of unprecedented change in the media industry to build a business that will thrive.”
Nexstar acquired The CW from Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount two years ago, and has sought to dramatically reduce costs and change its lineup in a bid to make the famously unprofitable network into a profitable one.
Last month CW chief Dennis Miller exited the company, with Schwartz — who had led programming — taking on more responsibility.
Miller had been a big driver of The CW’s push into sports, beginning with LIV Golf last year, with college football and basketball, NASCAR and WWE NXT also joining its lineup.
Sports will be a top priority going forward, Schwartz indicated in his memo.
“We are moving forward into 2025 with more live sports than ever, including the NASCAR Xfinity series, WWE NXT, PAC-12 Football, ACC Football and Basketball, and more,” he wrote. “We’re producing exciting new game shows like Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit, unscripted hits like Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Police 24/7, and returning scripted favorites like Sullivan’s Crossing, Wild Cards, and All American.”
You can read Schwartz’s memo, below.
Team:
Today we had to make one of the hardest decisions a company can make—eliminating a number of positions. Saying goodbye to talented friends and colleagues is painful and deeply personal, and I know that each of these individuals has been a vital part of who we are. 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.
Legendary media executive Peter Chernin once said, “The only jobs worth taking are the ones where you get to start something or the ones where you get to fix something.” We’ve worked tirelessly over the past two years to evolve and reimagine The CW, against both tough competition and incredible change in our industry. It’s hard to believe everything we’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time. The journey has been challenging and meaningful, and there is still lots of work to do.
We will continue to transform the network to reach a broader and larger audience, continue our march to profitability, and continue to position The CW for long term success.
We are moving forward into 2025 with more live sports than ever, including the NASCAR Xfinity series, WWE NXT, PAC-12 Football, ACC Football and Basketball, and more. We’re producing exciting new game shows like Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit, unscripted hits like Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Police 24/7, and returning scripted favorites like Sullivan’s Crossing, Wild Cards, and All American.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to staying nimble, always open to change, and willing to adapt and grow. To those who are leaving, I’d like to thank you for everything you’ve done to shape The CW. To those continuing on, let’s keep working hard, pushing boundaries, and building something we can all be proud of.
Sincerely,
Brad