In January 2006 The WB Television Network and CBS owned UPN agreed to shutter both networks and create The CW Television Network, with plans to premiere in the Fall of ‘06.  The project effected Cable operators and Broadcasters in all 210 Television markets.  Successful conversion negotiations required constructing and executing a plan that considered all parties’ business/programming plans, then explaining the complexities and solutions for each.  Two Blue Rhino’s Nory LeBrun helped create the conversion strategy and then handled negotiations with Broadcasters and Cable systems in at least five Top 99 markets and in 95+ markets for The CW Plus (television markets # 101-210).  The WB’s distribution in markets 101-210 was primarily a Cable-Only distribution model and would have to transition to a predominately Broadcast delivery via their digital spectrum.  A thorough knowledge of the characteristics of each market deal was necessary to explain those idiosyncrasies to all parties involved.  LeBrun initiated contact with all of The WB 100+ cable and DBS distribution points to present details of The CW programming and marketing plans, and to propose and negotiate the new distribution conversion plan. LeBrun guided the Network, local broadcast stations, MSOs and local cable operators to negotiate the best solution, and during the months leading to launch, persisted in directing cable and DBS to the new CW broadcast affiliate in their market.  In the short time between the merger announcement and launch of The CW, LeBrun shepherded all effected cable and DBS providers to a smooth transition from The WB/UPN carriage to launch The CW.  LeBrun also advised The CW Plus broadcast affiliates on cable retransmission consent, suggesting and negotiating solutions to difficult retransmission issues.  LeBrun helped The CW and its affiliates achieve working relationships with DirecTV and Echostar.   Coverage for The CW Plus was completed with LeBrun acting as interlocutor for The CW Plus and MSOs, to create cable-only “stations” in the ten or so remaining markets where there was no CW broadcast affiliate.   

Two Blue Rhino continues to handle Affiliate Relations for The CW Plus and insure the network maintains national distribution in all television markets across the country.