Post by Marius on Jan 26, 2005 17:41:05 GMT -5
The following was taken from pwinsider.com:
VIACOM PRESIDENT: SMACKDOWN WILL BE CANCELED ON UPN
by Mike Johnson @ 5:17:00 PM on 1/26/2005
The UPN Network plans to drop WWE Smackdown from its roster of shows when their contract with World Wrestling Entertainment expires next year, according to statements made by Viacom's co-President in an article published by California newspaper The Oakland Tribune earlier this week discussing UPN's future plans.
The statement, made by Leslie Moonves, co-President and co-Chief Operating Officer for Viacom, the parent company of UPN and CBS. Moonves and Tom Freston took over the positions in June 2004, when former President Mel Karmazin resigned the post.
According to the article, which looks at plans to change UPN's image into a more serious network, moving away from sillier fare like "Amish in the City." According to Moonves, Smackdown no longer fits the network's vision.
"It still makes us a decent amount of money," said Moonves, "When you think about the powerhouses of CBS and NBC on Thursday night, it's great counter-programming. (But) it doesn't fit into the overall (programming) strategy."
WWE and Viacom came to terms on a "multiyear deal" to continue broadcasting Smackdown via The UPN Network in March 2003. It is believed the deal expires in the fall of 2006. The arrangement provided for UPN to pay WWE a licensing fee and also allow the company to produce several primetime specials.
Smackdown debuted as a UPN special in April 1999, paving the way for the weekly series, which has been running since August of that year.
**I wonder what this means for the future of the WWE, weather they will shop it around when they sign a new TV deal or if this means the end of the brand extension...I'd like to hear your thoughts on it as this could be a big impact to the industry.
VIACOM PRESIDENT: SMACKDOWN WILL BE CANCELED ON UPN
by Mike Johnson @ 5:17:00 PM on 1/26/2005
The UPN Network plans to drop WWE Smackdown from its roster of shows when their contract with World Wrestling Entertainment expires next year, according to statements made by Viacom's co-President in an article published by California newspaper The Oakland Tribune earlier this week discussing UPN's future plans.
The statement, made by Leslie Moonves, co-President and co-Chief Operating Officer for Viacom, the parent company of UPN and CBS. Moonves and Tom Freston took over the positions in June 2004, when former President Mel Karmazin resigned the post.
According to the article, which looks at plans to change UPN's image into a more serious network, moving away from sillier fare like "Amish in the City." According to Moonves, Smackdown no longer fits the network's vision.
"It still makes us a decent amount of money," said Moonves, "When you think about the powerhouses of CBS and NBC on Thursday night, it's great counter-programming. (But) it doesn't fit into the overall (programming) strategy."
WWE and Viacom came to terms on a "multiyear deal" to continue broadcasting Smackdown via The UPN Network in March 2003. It is believed the deal expires in the fall of 2006. The arrangement provided for UPN to pay WWE a licensing fee and also allow the company to produce several primetime specials.
Smackdown debuted as a UPN special in April 1999, paving the way for the weekly series, which has been running since August of that year.
**I wonder what this means for the future of the WWE, weather they will shop it around when they sign a new TV deal or if this means the end of the brand extension...I'd like to hear your thoughts on it as this could be a big impact to the industry.
