Departing CW chief Dennis Miller tells staff network overhaul at times is “flamboyant and uncomfortable,” but “only way forward”

Dennis Miller, who will soon step down as president of The CW, acknowledged that the network's overhaul has been “clunky and uncomfortable” at times but said it represents “the only way forward.”

The executive reflected on his two-year tenure in a memo to staff obtained by Deadline (read below). The former longtime board member of Nexstar Media Group stepped into a management role in October 2022 when Nexstar controlled 75% of The CW. Previous 50-50 network partners Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery each hold a 12.5% ​​stake.

Miller and programming chief Brad Schwartz, who is expected to succeed him, have overseen a dramatic shift in strategy. Since its launch in 2006, the fifth-largest broadcast network has primarily served as a platform for scripted dramas produced by its corporate parent. Under Nexstar, costs were cut and live sports and weekend programming joined the fold, and unscripted fare dropped all but a small handful of the former slate. Nextstar execs estimate they'll turn a profit on The CW by 2025, and recently said that goal remains to be seen.

Perry Suk, CEO of Nextstar, hailed Miller in the official announcement of the company executive's departure to “broaden the appeal” of The CW. The news was first reported by Deadline on Thursday.

Here's Miller's full memo:

It's been two busy and exciting years since I stepped away from the Nextstar board to help The CW on the best trajectory for success in today's broadcast business. I promised Perry that I would bring in a topflight team in all key positions, expand the network's program offerings, add premium sports and establish a clear path to profitability. Together, we are now on track to achieve those ambitious goals. As the network continues to grow, I feel now is the right time to hand over the reins to my longtime colleague and friend Brad Schwartz and our assembled stellar team.

We've come a long way. We've had 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. We've experienced record ratings growth in the past few weeks for live sports, primetime wrestling and our new game shows “Scrabble” and “Trivial Pursuit.” By taking all these strategic steps, we have significantly increased value for our associates.

You all have been a meaningful part of an important transition for The CW. Although change can be bumpy and uncomfortable at times, it is the only way forward in today's media environment. I have been fortunate to have gotten to know many of you along the way and will miss the regular communication, debates, discussions and ultimate friendships we developed together. After eight years serving on the board of Nexstar and two years overseeing The CW, I believe you are now in an enviable position to continue building an incredibly valuable fifth broadcast network. A network of which you can all be quite proud. And whether I'm watching from the sidelines or the box seats, I'll be rooting for your success every day.

Sincerely,
Dennis