(Note: A similar topic is in the Entertainment forum, but I figured that another topic in this forum would be worthwhile since this could have a direct effect on the Pokemon anime itself.)

Well, in case you hadn't heard, the WB and UPN recently announced a merger. They will form a new network, which is to be called "CW" - the "C' stands for CBS Corporation and the "W" is for Warner Bros. Entertainment. This will, of course, mean that their programming will have to change drastically to make room for shows from both networks as well as whatever new programs they decide to create.

It appears from a business standpoint that the CW will likely still focus somewhat on children's programming (see: Exit WB, UPN; Enter the CW). However, this is still up in the air, as no announcements have been made regarding specific programming schedules. Added to this doubt is the fact that UPN has aired shows targeting adults for most of its history, and because the WB made some major changes to the scheduling of its children's programming before the merger was announced.

So, I guess the first question is whether or not Pokemon will remain. If the CW does continue to run some children's programming, they'd have to be idiots not to keep Pokemon. And that's not my opinion as a Pokemon fan. That's my opinion from looking at the ratings. Pokemon has been the top show on Saturday morning on the WB and often overall for years. However, I still think changing the children's programming in the way WB did was a foolish (or at least risky) move, so you never know. Plus, if they do decide to surprise the analysts drop the whole set of shows, well, Pokemon'll have to go with the others. So it's extremely questionable at this point in time.

If they do give up their rights to air Pokemon, then the question that immediately follows is that of who would pick it up. Cartoon Network would have to be the leading candidate, especially since they still air some Pokemon reruns, if I'm not mistaken. However, I'd imagine that networks like Fox and perhaps the big three networks would fight for Pokemon to add a boost to their weaker Saturday morning programming schedules.

And of course, the biggest question would be what kind of effect a network change would have on Pokemon. (This question could possibly be asked even if Pokemon stays with the new CW.) Would a different network mean different voice actors? Could the dubbing and other editing processes be changed? And if the timeslot for Pokemon is changed, how might that change the viewership, and how would that in turn affect how the network treats the show?

There are many questions to be asked about the possible changes that lie ahead for Pokemon. So, what do you think?