The CW Will Expand Its Schedule to Sunday Nights in October

The CW is growing from five nights of programming to six next season. Starting in October, the network will expand its schedule to Sunday nights, for a total of 12 hours of prime-time shows each week. This will be the first time in nine years that The CW will program on Sunday nights. From 2006-2009, the network aired programming from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays, but gave that time back to its affiliates in the fall of 2009. Chris Brooks, evp, network distribution, and Ann Miyagi, svp and general counsel, worked with The CW’s key affiliate partners—including Sinclair Broadcast Group, Tribune Broadcasting, CBS Television Stations and Nexstar Media Group—to secure the Sunday night clearances. “By expanding to six nights, The CW is now able to give our fans even more of the series they’re so passionate about. Broadcasting remains the foundation of our multi-platform approach to bringing our programming to viewers,” said president Mark Pedowitz in a statement. “I’d like to thank Chris and Ann for being instrumental in making this happen, and to thank all of our station groups for being such terrific partners as we add Sundays to our prime-time schedule this fall on all our affiliates across the country.” Chris Ripley, president and CEO of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., said in a statement, “As one of the largest CW affiliate groups, we are excited to see The CW Network reaffirm its commitment to broadcasting by expanding its schedule to Sunday night. We value our relationship and look forward to an even stronger audience following with more of The CW’s popular primetime programming.” That was echoed by Peter Dunn, president, CBS Television Stations, who said in a statement, “Mark and his team have done a tremendous job of putting together a terrific Monday-Friday schedule. We are excited to partner with them to grow our ratings and revenue by adding original series programming on Sunday nights.” Perry A. Sook, chairman, president and CEO of Nexstar Media Group, also weighed in, saying, “We are delighted that The CW is adding a sixth night of its unique brand of acclaimed programming, as when combined with Nexstar’s high quality, original, local news and other exclusive local content, we are delivering great entertainment and information to viewers and an excellent marketing solutions platform for local and national advertisers.” This season, The CW is the only broadcast network not to lose viewers in the 18-49 demo, remaining flat year over year.