The CW has laid off more than two dozen employees across its publicity and program development teams as part of a broader strategy to reshape the network and achieve long-term profitability under its new owner, Nexstar. These layoffs are primarily focused on areas such as scripted development, public relations, and unscripted programming, as Nexstar shifts the network’s focus to live sports, unscripted content, and a select number of scripted series.
This latest round of layoffs follows multiple staff cuts at The CW since Nexstar acquired a 75% majority stake in the network in 2022. The decision comes less than a month after CW president Dennis Miller stepped down, and Brad Schwartz assumed full responsibility for the network. Schwartz addressed the staff in a memo, acknowledging the difficulty of the decision while emphasizing the need for change to secure a stronger future for The CW.
“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,” Schwartz wrote. He referenced former News Corp. President Peter Chernin’s quote about the importance of jobs where you “get to start something or fix something,” underscoring the network’s commitment to transformation. Schwartz also reaffirmed Nexstar’s dedication to building a profitable and successful business while navigating the rapidly changing media landscape.
Nexstar’s Transformation Strategy Takes Shape
Nexstar’s ongoing transformation of The CW includes a significant increase in live sports programming. The network has already added NASCAR Xfinity Series racing and WWE NXT wrestling, marking a strategic shift towards more audience-friendly content. The company’s strategy, which focuses on reducing operating losses and increasing profitability, was evident in its Q3 2024 earnings report, which revealed a $36 million reduction in operating losses compared to the previous year.
The CW is also shifting away from high-budget scripted dramas, which were a hallmark of the network under its previous ownership by Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount. This move is part of Nexstar’s plan to reduce programming costs and shift the focus to more profitable content. According to reports, Nexstar is working to make The CW profitable by 2025, in large part by abandoning the expensive scripted shows that were favored by its former partners. Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery each retain a 12.5% stake in The CW, but the shift to sports and unscripted content signals a new direction for the network.
In its effort to reshape the network, Nexstar has implemented cost-saving measures, slashing programming expenses by nearly 52% since taking control of The CW. This includes prioritizing sports, unscripted content, and a few select scripted series. The strategy aims to improve the network’s financial outlook while meeting the growing demand for live sports and non-scripted programming.
Looking Ahead: A Broader, More Profitable Future
The layoffs and restructuring are part of Nexstar’s broader plan to position The CW for success as it enters 2025. The network’s future relies heavily on expanding its live sports portfolio and growing its unscripted content offerings. This move reflects broader changes in the media industry, where streaming services and live sports are increasingly driving viewership, while traditional scripted dramas are being phased out in favor of more cost-effective, audience-driven programming.
Despite the difficult changes, Nexstar remains focused on transforming The CW into a profitable business, with the goal of reaching a broader audience and capitalizing on the growing appeal of live sports. The upcoming years will be crucial for The CW as it adapts to the evolving media landscape and works to secure its place in an increasingly competitive market.
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