MyNetworkTV en difficulté: "Smackdown" en danger?

e réseau MyNetworkTV, qui diffuse "Smackdown" le vendredi aux États-Unis, connait de sérieux problèmes.

Voici une nouvelle de Associated Press:

Citation:
In a sign of the economic times, My Network TV says it will essentially become a rerun network next fall except for professional wrestling.

The move shows how the tough advertising climate is affecting television. Instead of developing new programs, it will show reruns of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and other series.

My Network TV will also stop programming on Saturday nights, leaving that night to their affiliates and owned stations.

Donc, ce réseau en sera un essentiellement de reprises, qui n'a pas les reins assez solides pour diffuser le samedi soir.

Mais "Smackdown" continuera à être diffusée tel que prévu.

La WWE a d'ailleurs émis rarement un communiqué de presse:

Citation:
WWE®’S SMACKDOWN® FUTURE?
February 9, 2009

STAMFORD, CT – February 9, 2009 – In light of today’s announcement by MyNetworkTV, World Wrestling Entertainment® officials are certain that SmackDown has a bright future.

WWE SmackDown, airing on Friday nights at 8:00/7:00 PM Central on MyNetworkTV, is the number one program on Friday nights on all broadcast television for males under the age of 50, including the key advertiser demos, M12-17 and M18-34.

WWE SmackDown will enter its 10th consecutive year this Fall, attesting to the popularity and longevity of the brand.

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

On verra si ce réseau est là pour rester... ou non.