Merger hits home

Here's all you really need to know about the formation of the new CW network. In a nutshell, it will have "Top Model," "Gilmore Girls" and "Veronica Mars."

And, possibly, "The Julie Chen Show."

Beyond that, the 8-ball says try again later. But I did gather some local views and a few extra details I didn't see in wire reports:

Kansas City Star | 01/25/2006 | TV switch: WB, UPN join forces.

So what's going to happen to all those orphan stations left without a network? Wouldn't this be a prime opportunity for another media giant with a large library of syndicated (and, uh, syndicated-able) programs to jump in and start a new seventh network? (I'm counting Univision now, because Nielsen is.)

You know, like, Fox?

Comments

[Andy Rose]

So CBS and Time-Warner are engaging in a joint venture. Could this grease the wheels for the merger of CNN and CBS News that both companies have been trying to make happen for years? Especially at a time when both franchises are weak and receptive to new ideas.

[greentara]

The WaPo's Lisa de Moraes says their logo is as lame as the name. Is anybody else thinking of calling them "The Cow," like NBC's nickname "The Peacock" and CBS's "The Eye?"

[Mark Jeffries]

If CNN and CBS News merge, it would make them an even bigger target for the right. Yes, that's not necessarily a bad thing, but still... (And I do realize that the only way you could get the right to shut up would be to replace Bob Schieffer with Michael Savage.)