Nexstar CEO Perry Sook has praised Dennis Miller, the outgoing president of The CW, for his role in enhancing the network’s attractiveness during his two-year tenure. Sources indicate that programming executive Bradley Schwartz is poised to take over Miller’s position, with Nexstar expected to formalize this change soon. Miller’s departure is slated for October 31, although he will continue as an advisor until the end of the year. He has been with Nexstar since 2014, transitioning from the board of directors to lead the network after Nexstar acquired a 75% stake in The CW in 2022.
Sook acknowledged Miller’s contributions in a press release, highlighting his efforts to assemble a new leadership team and diversify the network’s programming. This transformation positioned The CW for continued success, allowing Miller to move on to new ventures. Sook expressed gratitude for Miller’s guidance during his time on Nexstar’s board and at The CW.
Miller’s leadership marked a significant shift for the network, which ventured into live sports programming, securing partnerships with organizations such as LIV Golf, WWE, and NASCAR. Under his direction, the network also expanded into game shows and enhanced its unscripted content offerings.
Nexstar aims to revamp the network’s strategy, intending to steer The CW toward profitability by 2025—an objective that appears to be on track. The company’s approach contrasts with the previous management structure under CBS Corp. and Time Warner, the entities that originally established The CW in 2007.
In a message to staff, Sean Compton, president of networks for Nexstar, reflected on the past two years as a remarkable period for The CW. He noted that the network has effectively shifted into a venue for live sports while broadening its entertainment slate to reach a larger audience. Compton expressed confidence in Schwartz’s ability to carry the momentum forward as Miller transitions into new roles.
Before leading The CW, Schwartz garnered attention for his stewardship of Pop TV, where he successfully acquired “Schitt’s Creek,” helping elevate the network’s profile prior to the show’s run on Netflix. Miller commented on the changes he witnessed, stating that with solid ratings and long-term sports contracts secured, The CW’s future looks bright.