Detroit TV switch: WADL-TV airs the CW's programs as WKBD-TV ends ties to the network

Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press
Updated ·2 min read
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In a change that arrived without fanfare to Detroit broadcast television, two local stations have made big programming changes.

WKBD-TV (Channel 50) is no longer the local affiliate for the CW network.

And WADL-TV (Channel 38), which former owner Kevin Adell sold to Texas-based Mission Broadcasting in May, is now carrying the CW's shows in prime time.

Detroit native Courtney B. Vance in "61st Street." The CW has acquired the drama, which was formerly on AMC.
Detroit native Courtney B. Vance in "61st Street." The CW has acquired the drama, which was formerly on AMC.

The switch at WKBD has been known for months in TV industry circles. In May, entertainment trade news sites reported that eight stations owned and operated by CBS would be ending their affiliation with the CW in September and becoming independent.  Detroit’s WKBD, which had partnered with the CW for 17 years, was among them.

Last week, CBS announced in a news release that those eight stations, including WKBD, would officially leave the CW and become independent on Sept. 1.

The release revealed that the prime-time lineup for WKBD would consist of syndicated shows, specifically "Family Feud" at 8 p.m., "48 Hours" at 9 p.m. starting on Sept. 11 (when the true-crime series begins its run in weekday syndication) and "Dateline" at 10 p.m.

The CW is operated by Nexstar, the largest television station owner and operator in the U.S. with about 200 stations in 116 markets. Nexstar acquired 75% ownership of the CW last year. Its CEO has said that Nextstar wants the network to appeal to older viewers, according to Us Weekly. That would be a switch from its previous teen-oriented and superhero-heavy schedule.

In late August, Variety reported that a new CW affiliate would be announced soon in Detroit. That appears to be WADL.

The Free Press was unable to reach Mission Broadcasting to confirm the station is officially a CW affiliate. But WADL's onscreen logo is identifying the station as the CW 38.

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The CW recently has added the Canadian comedies “Son of a Critch,” “Run the Burbs” and “Children Ruin Everything,” in part because of the current writers and actors strike. The network also has acquired “61st Street,” a drama starring Detroit’s own Courtney B. Vance that formerly was on AMC.

WADL, which was launched in 1989, hasn’t been a major player locally in terms of ratings or content. Mission Broadcasting Inc. bought the Adell Broadcasting Co. station for $75 million, according to a May news release.

“The purchase of WADL represents a rare opportunity to acquire a full-power station in a top-15 market,” Mission Broadcasting President Dennis Thatcher said in the news release. “We are very excited about playing a role in the continued renaissance of this great American city.”

The sale came as federal authorities are pursuing Adell for almost $18 million in allegedly unpaid estate and gift taxes on his inheritance. Adell has disputed the charges.

Contact Detroit Free Press pop culture critic Julie Hinds at jhinds@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit TV market sees a big change as the CW's shows move to WADL-TV