The CW has laid off over two dozen employees across its publicity and program development teams, as the network restructures to prioritize sports, unscripted content, and select scripted series under new owner Nexstar Media Group. CW President Brad Schwartz informed staff on Tuesday, stating that the changes, though difficult, are essential for building “a stronger future for The CW.”
Gary Weitman, Nexstar’s chief communications officer, acknowledged the impact of the cuts, emphasizing that the decision was made to streamline operations as part of Nexstar’s goal to reach profitability and position the network for sustained success in a challenging media landscape.
This round of layoffs comes shortly after a significant leadership shift within the network. Former CW President Dennis Miller, who was appointed by Nexstar CEO Perry Sook in 2022, exited his role after a brief tenure. Schwartz has now taken over Miller’s responsibilities, as Miller transitioned to an advisory role on October 31.
Nexstar’s recent third-quarter earnings revealed that The CW reduced its losses by $36 million from the previous year, though the full loss figure for Q3 was not disclosed. CEO Perry Sook noted the progress in the network’s strategic shift, which includes the introduction of NASCAR Xfinity Series racing and WWE NXT wrestling, both of which have driven double-digit increases in total audience and key demographics.
Most recently, NASCAR’s Xfinity Series race on The CW drew 1.1 million viewers, a 17% increase compared to last year’s championship telecast on cable, illustrating the network’s growing appeal in sports content.
