The CW Network, which is 75% owned by the nation’s No. 1 owner of broadcast television stations, has reached a new affiliation agreement with the privately held owner of such properties as WCVB-5 in Boston and its most recent acquisition, WBBH-20 in Fort Myers-Naples, Fla.
While the Nexstar Media Group-controlled CW stays in six markets where Hearst Television stations have enjoyed affiliation, a new affiliation agreement is set to commence on September 1.
As such, The CW Network will be heading to what is today known as “My58,” Hearst’s KQCA-TV in Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto.
It marks a full circle moment for KQCA, which was a UPN affiliate before adding The WB Network. It dropped the WB in 2006, opting for MyNetwork TV as The CW’s birth brought the network to KMAX-31, a CBS News & Stations property.
As previously reported in May, CBS has decided to drop The CW from its owned stations.
Financial terms of the new agreement between Hearst and the Nexstar-controlled CW were not disclosed.
The CW Network President Dennis Miller commented, “Hearst has been an important partner for The CW throughout the years and we are extremely pleased to be launching a new CW affiliate in Sacramento. KQCA-TV is already home to LIV Golf in Sacramento, and this agreement will ensure that viewers there won’t miss a moment of our other highly-rated sports and entertainment programming.”
The new agreement ensures The CW will retain affiliation with WKCF-TV in Orlando;
KCWE-TV in Kansas City; WPXT-TV in Portland, Maine; WCWG-TV in Greensboro;
WNNE-TV in Burlington, Vt.-Plattsburgh, N.Y.; and on simulcast partners KHOG-TV/KHBS-TV in Ft. Smith, Ark.
“The evolution of The CW with the infusion of live sports like NASCAR Xfinity Series racing and ACC football and basketball, along with new entertainment programming, brings excitement and momentum to our group,” said Michael J. Hayes, President of Hearst Television (pictured, top left), who assumed the role from Jordan Wertlieb upon the latter’s rise to company COO in May. “We look forward to working with Dennis and his team in this expanded partnership, continuing our relationship with the network.”
