If you read Frank Batton's book, you might recall that NBC was interested in purchasing TWC in the mid 80s. TWC, however, wisely turned them down b/c they didn't agree with NBC's ideas for the channel. Now here we are with NBC having complete control over TWC. I don't have any proof, but I really believe that changes like this will continue. NBC "laid off" a bunch of people, so they could hire their own. And as for future programming changes, watch MSNBC to get an idea. I imagine that's where TWC is headed. "Personality" driven shows and long-form programming that has nothing to do with weather.