Two Major Television Networks Merge

The WB and UPN networks have announced a merger within the two television suppliers titled the CW Network.

(PRWEB) January 31, 2006 -- Struggling to keep consistent ratings, television networks The WB and UPN have joined forces to create The CW Network. CBS and Warner Bros. will share ownership, Warner Bros. previously owning The WB Network, and CBS, owning UPN.

In a surprise announcement by executives, the new network will draw on programming from both UPN, whose shows include "Everybody Hates Chris" and "Veronica Mars," as well as from the slate of The WB, which includes "Supernatural," "Smallville" and "Everwood."

A board of equal numbered CBS-appointed members and Warner Bros.-appointed members will oversee the CW. Dawn Ostroff, head of UPN since 2002, will become president of entertainment at the CW; WB chief operating officer John Maata will move into the same role at the CW. WB executive VP Bill Morningstar will oversee advertising sales for the new network. Les Moonves, President of CBS announced the merger during a packaged press conference at the St. Regis Hotel in New York. “This is a historic occasion. This will be the new fifth broadcast network," said Moonves to a stunned room of reporters and television elite.

The Network is said to concentrate more towards the youth and twenty something markets, bringing a fresh face and joined ideas into one package. Though the WB in particular had struggling numbers with viewers over 32, the network, according to 2005 Neilsen Rattings, had a combined 9 share of the market of 18-25 year olds on their best nights. This is the type of numbers the new CW will hopefully try to build of off.

To read more about this new merger and follow the progress of America’s newest network read any entertainment trade magazine. You may even go on line to sites like http://www.hollywoodreporter.com and keep up with the latest TV and Film News. For news on acting, modeling, and auditions visit http://www.exploretalent.net and stay involved in the world of entertainment.

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