The CW...Any effect on Cubs games?

[moorecg]

the WB and UPN are merging with CBS to create "the CW" it will be run on all current channels airing WB and UPN programing....The initial news story said that it will have 30 hours a week of "regular" programing. Any chance that this frees some time up for more Cubs games on WGN?

[Jon]

It doesn't look like it. From what I read, WGN would be part of the new network. I'd imagine it would just effectively take the place of the WB.

[erik316wttn]

the WB and UPN are merging with CBS to create "the CW" it will be run on all current channels airing WB and UPN programing....The initial news story said that it will have 30 hours a week of "regular" programing. Any chance that this frees some time up for more Cubs games on WGN?

 

Is this a local thing or national? If it's national, this is HUGE news.

[transplanted_suburbanite]

From what I understand it will be a new terrestrial network. So I would think the Cubbies would stay put on WGN while the new network will be the same channel as the WB or UPN...

 

http://finanzen.net/news/news_detail.asp?NewsNr=366798

 

here's a news snippet.. It is NATIONAL

 

The 16 Tribune affiliated stations will include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Houston, Miami, Denver, St. Louis, Portland, Indianapolis, San Diego, Hartford, New Orleans and Albany. The 12 CBS Station Group television markets will include Philadelphia, San Francisco, Atlanta, Detroit, Tampa, Seattle, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, West Palm Beach, Norfolk, Oklahoma City and Providence. Together, these top two station groups cover the top 13 television markets, 20 of the top 25 television markets and have a total coverage area of more than 48% of the country.

 

 

 

As the top creative executive, Ostroff will have available a line-up of some of the most popular programming that appeals to young adults in the media business. These programming assets range from hit reality series such as "America's Next Top Model" and The WB's "Beauty and the Geek," to hit dramas like The WB's "Smallville," "Gilmore Girls," "Supernatural," and UPN's "Veronica Mars" as well as UPN's hit comedies "Everybody Hates Chris" and "Girlfriends" and The WB's hit comedy "Reba." In addition the WWE's "Smackdown," which has been a mainstay at UPN, is expected to play a role in the schedule.

Edited January 24, 2006 by transplanted_suburbanite

[Jon]

It's also worth noting that it wouldn't effect this season since the changes are taking place in the fall.

 

Plus, I would be surprised if the Cubs would want to move a significant amount of games to WGN with their stake in CSNC. Getting rid of the WCIU games sure would be nice, though.

[moorecg]

What I was thinking was that if this ends up being a separate and distinct channel from WGN then they will need something to fill WGN up with again. Lord please bring us back to the days where most all of the games are available on free TV!

 

And as someone said above...regardless of the outcome for Cubs fans...this IS huge national news...ought to be interesting to see how it plays out.

[erik316wttn]

It's also worth noting that it wouldn't effect this season since the changes are taking place in the fall.

 

Plus, I would be surprised if the Cubs would want to move a significant amount of games to WGN with their stake in CSNC. Getting rid of the WCIU games sure would be nice, though.

 

I would have no issue whatsoever with games moving to WGN. I miss the days of 154+ games a year on WGN.

[Mark Priors Calves]

WCIU is a terrible channel. I really hope all future Cub games are removed for the cable accessish fuzzy station.

[Radar3454]

It's also worth noting that it wouldn't effect this season since the changes are taking place in the fall.

 

Plus, I would be surprised if the Cubs would want to move a significant amount of games to WGN with their stake in CSNC. Getting rid of the WCIU games sure would be nice, though.

 

What you don't think the Cubs will be playing any meaningful games this fall? I know if they do better than expected and have some and don't show them b/c of this network I will not be happy.

[Banedon]

There's a thread on this "merger" in the social forums as well, and I mentioned there that a co-worker was concerned about Cardinals broadcasts because the local UPN station here is the Cardinals affiliate for the area...so this may not just affect Cubs games.

[UMFan83]

What is also interesting to note is that I expect that this will die down talks of the Trib selling the Cubs...at least until everything is operating and they are able to determine how much revenue their new outlet brings in for them.

[Brian]

What you don't think the Cubs will be playing any meaningful games this fall? I know if they do better than expected and have some and don't show them b/c of this network I will not be happy.

 

they would be on fox or espn anyways...

[Mizzou]

Has the TV schedule for this season been released yet? Anyone know if WGN is going to carry more or less games this year?

[Coach C]

Has the TV schedule for this season been released yet? Anyone know if WGN is going to carry more or less games this year?

 

Not yet, but there are some ESPN/FOX games listed so far.

 

Sunday April 9th, aganist St. Louis, in Chicago. 7:05 ESPN

Monday April 24th, aganist Florida, in Chicago. 6:05 ESPN

Saturday May 20th, aganist White Sox, at Chicago (Sox) 12:20 FOX

Saturday May 27th, aganist Atlanta, at Chicago. 12:20 FOX

Saturday June 3rd, aganist St. Louis, in St. Louis. 3:05 FOX

Saturday July 1st, aganist White Sox, at Chicago (Cubs) 12:20 FOX

Saturday July 22nd, aganist Washington, at Washington 12:20 FOX

Saturday July 29th, aganist St. Louis, at Chicago. 3:05 FOX

Saturday August 19th, aganist St. Louis, at Chicago. 12:20 FOX

Saturday August 26th, aganist St. Louis, at St. Louis. 12:20 FOX

 

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=chc&m=4&y=2006

 

I should also note, that the schedule time and whoever decides to broadcast it, can change.

[Dirt Dog Sparly]

A few years ago there was a rule passed to keep the media teams from selling the rights to thier games and then writing them off at a loss. I believe now a team can only put so many games on its primary station and has to sell the others to "Other Outlets". It was aimed at the Braves, Yanks, Cubs, and Dodgers when Murdoch bought them.

[Fro]

The CW has the same schedule as the WB, so I imagine there'd be little difference in the Cubs' WGN schedule.