The general thrust of the article is basically true -- that CW relies on alternative revenue streams more than the other networks because all of their shows are owned by one of the two partners in the network.
But beyond that, it's fairly confused.
First off, they state that most shows on CW still get 22 episode orders. That isn't true at all.
As of right now only The Flash, Arrow, Supergirl, Supernatural, and Jane the Virgin have full orders. A few other shows like Legends have an option for a back order but all the rest of the shows are getting 13-16 episodes at the most.
Second, they said that The Flash would flounder on other networks like NBC. Well, last season The Flash got better ratings on CW than all but seven scripted shows on NBC. And it's pretty likely that Flash would get better ratings on NBC than CW, not worse, so it's likely that Flash would have been a top five performer on NBC had it started its run there.
Third, it's not really broadcast syndication that's keeping CW shows afloat. You can count the number of CW shows (not holdover WB or UPN shows) that have EVER been syndicated on one hand. Very few ever hit the 88 episode target they mention.
Rather, it's streaming -- specifically Netflix -- and international sales, as well as DVD/Blu Ray/digital sales that CW is after.
And finally, there is absolutely a minimum standard for live ratings that CW shows have to hit, because at some point CW affiliates will outright refuse to air shows. Many CW affiliates get better ratings showing syndicated repeats of old sitcoms and the local news than they do airing stuff like Jane the Virgin or Crazy ex-Girlfriend. If they drop low enough, they'll refuse to air them. That's how Beauty and the Beast ended up getting pushed off the fall schedule and into summer when nobody really cares.
