CBS and Warner Bros. to Create CW Network

CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment have announced plans to form a new 5th network, The CW, which will launch in the fall of 2006. The new broadcasting network will be a joint venture between Warner Bros. Entertainment and CBS Corporation, with each company owning 50%. The two networks currently run by CBS and Warner Bros., UPN and the WB, will be shut down and programming will be moved to the new network.

Dawn Ostroff, currently President of UPN, will become President of Entertainment and John Maatta, currently Chief Operating Officer of The WB, will become Chief Operating Officer of The CW.

Some of the WB shows include 7th Heaven, Charmed, Everwood, Gilmore Girls, Reba and Smallville. Some of UPN's shows include America's Next Top Model, Chris, Girlfrieds, South Beach and Veronica Mars. Bloomberg says the new CW Network will attempt to "lure younger viewers." Now Playing says "whether viewers will notice the change, or care, remains to be seen."