The Broadcast Chiefs Share Their Fall Strategies for Reversing Linear Ratings Declines

As the new season begins, the 5 presidents reveal their biggest moves and challenges.

After the second straight year in which none of the five broadcast networks increased their adults 18-49 audience (and ABC, CBS and The CW all lost viewers in the demo), they will try to turn their fortunes around in the 2017-18 season, which begins on Sept. 21. Over the next two months, they’ll premiere 19 new shows (including NBC’s Will & Grace revival) and 63 returning series. Adweek sat down with each of the network chiefs (including Kelly Kahl, who was tapped to take over CBS two weeks after the May upfront) to talk about their approach to the new season.

Adweek: This season, what is your biggest challenge?

Channing Dungey, president, ABC Entertainment: Look, I have huge faith in the power of Black-ish and The Mayor, but we’re going up against This Is Us, so…

Channing DungeyGetty Images

Robert Greenblatt, chairman, NBC Entertainment: Navigating the Thursday schedule, which is on/off because of...

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This story first appeared in the Sept. 18, 2017, issue of Adweek magazine. Click here to subscribe.