Change in command at CW Network: Dennis Miller steps down, Brad Schwartz takes the helm

A surprise departure

In a surprising turn of events, Dennis Miller is stepping down as the president of CW Network after a notable two-year tenure. Having been appointed by Nexstar CEO Perry Sook in fall 2022, Miller leaves a significant mark on the Nexstar-owned network. His replacement, Brad Schwartz, who also serves as the CW president of entertainment, is poised to take over the reins on October 31. Interestingly, this change follows Miller’s recent contract extension last August, initially set to keep him in position until 2027.

Bridging the past and future

Prior to his role at CW Network, Miller was an influential member of Nexstar’s board of directors. His transition to the leadership role at CW marked a period of aggressive expansion and strategic shifts, which included securing broadcasting rights for high-profile events like LIV Golf and WWE’s NXT. Brad Schwartz, with his rich background from Paramount Global, is expected to continue this trajectory and build on Miller’s legacy.

Charting new territories

During Miller’s short yet impactful tenure, CW Network diversified its portfolio significantly by incorporating live sports into its programming. This ambitious move saw the inclusion of NASCAR’s Xfinity series, which began this fall, and agreements to air ACC basketball and football every Saturday. Such additions bolstered the network’s ad sales, drawing in over 15 new sports advertisers, including big names like Verizon, Subaru, and Walmart, particularly for ACC football broadcasts.

Miller’s vision and achievements

Miller’s vision for CW was clear from the beginning. He aspired to not only diversify but also significantly enhance the network’s offerings. “I’ve had a front row seat during a remarkable 11-year run with Nexstar and enjoyed navigating this period of significant transformation for the network,” Miller shared. His efforts paid off, with CW experiencing some of the highest ratings in years and securing long-term contracts for premium live sports.

Leadership reflections

Perry Sook expressed gratitude towards Miller’s contributions, stating, “We were fortunate when Dennis agreed to move from Nexstar’s Board to lead the transformation of The CW. During his tenure, he installed a new leadership team at The CW, broadening the appeal of its programming and enhancing the value of its affiliations for both Nexstar and our partners.”

Looking ahead: Schwartz steps in

As Miller transitions out, Brad Schwartz is set to take over, promising a seamless continuation of the network’s upward trajectory. Schwartz, recognized for his strategic acumen, is confident about the future. “The past two years at The CW have been amazing. With your help, we’ve successfully transformed the network into a new destination for live sports and broadened our entertainment programming to appeal to a wider audience,” remarked Schwartz.

Nexstar’s strategic shifts

Miller’s departure coincides with an organizational restructuring at Nexstar, which includes the elimination of its chief revenue officer position. This move is part of a broader strategy indicated in an Oct. 4 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, favoring a more streamlined structure as the company prepares to report its third-quarter earnings.

Email to employees: A heartfelt note

In an internal email to employees, Nexstar’s networks president, Sean Compton, highlighted the transformative journey over the past two years. “Dennis and Brad have been at the center of this change, and as Dennis moves on to new challenges, we’re fortunate to have Brad here to continue guiding the network,” Compton wrote. He emphasized the team’s effort in broadening CW’s offerings and how it made the network a prominent destination for live sports.

Miller’s memo: Farewell with optimism

Reflecting on his journey, Miller sent a memo to the staff, expressing his pride in the team’s achievements and confidence in Schwartz’s leadership. “We’ve come quite a distance. We went from zero to 500 hours of sports on The CW with partnerships ranging from ACC football and basketball to NFL films, WWE NXT wrestling, NASCAR, LIV Golf, and PAC-12. Record ratings growth in the past few weeks with live sports, primetime wrestling, and our new game shows ‘Scrabble’ and ‘Trivial Pursuit’ are testaments to our strategic moves,” Miller noted.

A new chapter for CW Network

With Schwartz at the helm, CW Network is poised for continued success. The network has garnered substantial momentum and stands on the brink of what promises to be an exciting new chapter. As Miller moves into an advisory role through the end of the year, there’s optimism that CW will maintain its growth, echoing Miller’s sentiment: “While this time I may be watching from the sidelines or from a box seat, I’ll be rooting for your success every day.”

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