UPN, WB Form SuperNetwork

Struggling to break even with only a few decent shows, the United
Paramount Network and the WB will combine programming underneath CBS,
calling themselves CW (Columbia Warner?) and aiming their programming
to the 18 to 34 age range, similar to how each functions now.

Both channels’ executives sited that keeping up with the big three was
increasingly difficult, despite what they believed to be quality,
original programming. Lemme just interject here real quick.UPN’s
highest rated show (prior to Chris Rock’s new Everybody Hates Chris)
has been America’s Next Top Model (playing in the low 100 mark for its
timeslot), one of dozens of American Idol wannabes. Not quite the
quality OR originality they’d have us believe.

It’s expected that much of each channel’s lineup will be scrapped in
favor of new shows that refocus the primary demographic. Expect to see
the new channel in September, 2006.