TV Hot Spot: News

MyNetwork TV Picks up 'Smackdown'!

Post by: Sal


Source: Zap2It

“The momentum at MyNetworkTV continues with this major acquisition. We have demonstrated tremendous growth, and this partnership with WWE, the premier sports-entertainment franchise in the world, is a perfect fit for our viewers, advertisers and affiliates,” MyNetworkTV president Greg Meidel said in a statement.

SmackDown had been a staple on The CW and, previously, UPN, since 1999. The negotiating window between The CW and WWE expired Jan. 31, leading to WWE shopping SmackDown to other networks.

WWE programming is a consistent ratings-getter, with its flagship cable show, WWE Monday Night Raw, at the top of the cable ratings charts nearly every week for USA Network.

The ratings bump generated by SmackDown could be a boon for MyNetworkTV, which has lagged behind the other broadcast networks, including the CW, in its primetime ratings.

WWE chairman Vince McMahon alluded to the ratings his programs bring when making the announcement. “We have an unmatched record of delivering ratings success to each and every network partner we’ve worked with in our long and storied history,” McMahon said. “We fully intend to bring that same level of success to MyNetworkTV.”


Take Care,

Sal

TV Hot Spot: News

The CW & WWE: Part Ways!

Post by: Sal


Source: Variety

The CW is getting out of the ring, parting ways with the WWE's "Smackdown" franchise after failing to reach a new deal with the wrestling org.

WWE announced the split late Thursday night, saying it had been "in negotiations" with other nets since last week. CW's exclusive negotiating frame with WWE ended Jan. 31. "Smackdown" will end its run at the end of the 2007-08 season.

There was no immediate word on where "Smackdown" might land, but cabler USA might be a logical home. It already has a relationship with the WWE.

NBC has also aired some primetime grappling, but a weekly franchise might be off-brand for the network, one insider said.

"After a successful decade of 'Smackdown' on both UPN and the CW, World Wrestling Entertainment and the CW have agreed to conclude our partnership," WWE said in a statement explaining the move. Org did not give a reason for the decision.

With the WWE and CW at odds over deal points, it's believed CW execs had begun telling its stations that a deal might not make, people familiar with the situation said. Rather than wait for rumors to begin leaking out, WWE apparently opted to get the news out first.

CW (and previously UPN) execs had mixed feelings about the WWE franchise. "Smackdown" consistently delieved solid ratings for the network and its UPN predecessor since 1999, giving the net a pulse on weak nights such as Friday. "Smackdown" also filled two hours of programming, allowing CW to focus on fewer nights.

On the other hand, wrestling didn't always fit in with the femme focus the CW has tried to cultivate via hits such as "Gossip Girl" and "America's Next Top Model."

Still, given the CW's difficulties generating big ratings with scripted shows, losing "Smackdown" will present problems for the young net.

WWE was careful to word its statement without any sharp comments, even going so far as to praise CBS Corp. supremo Leslie Moonves and CW chief Dawn Ostroff. A CW rep couldn't immediately be reached for comment.


Take Care,

Sal