LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- "Tapping into all the different media platforms isn't just part of our strategy, it's actually in our DNA," Dawn Ostroff said in her opening statement during The CW's executive session at the TCA Summer Press Tour.
Said aspect was the focus of several ensuing discussions, where Ostroff touted that "we were the first network to use Twitter and Facebook to connect with our audience and talk about our shows. And what's interesting is that now Facebook and Google meet with their clients and asked if they could use us as an example as to how they should be using the technology."
Also getting a lot of tubthumping: the netlet's new online sales initiative, which "could potentially be a blueprint for the entire industry... we're putting full commercial loads within our full episode streams on CWTV.com. And it's the only place you can legally get full episodes for free."
She would later add, as a result of their online efforts, "The days of waking up and looking at the overnight ratings are gone, especially for the younger demographic."
The proposed digital penny-to-digital dollar conversion however wasn't the only topic of discussion:
-- The upcoming 15th cycle of "America's Next Top Model" will focus on high fashion with the winner ultimately gracing the cover of Italian Vogue.
-- With "Smallville" entering its final season, the network is open to another DC Comics property but nothing has been put into development yet. "We would love to see something on the air," she added.
-- Still no half-hours in the works aside from Canadian acquisition "18 to Life," which only came after viewing "over 80 hours" of internationally produced programs.
-- "HMS" is still being considered for midseason as decisions about additional offerings are still being made.
-- Following the session, Ostroff confirmed "Life Unexpected" has a 13-episode commitment while "One Tree Hill," even with its late pickup, is a go for a full 22 episodes.
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