Though NBC is has having a PR hiccup with their late night dilemma, the long term benefit of the fallout could reward the struggling network handsomely.
NBC is terminating their low-cost experiment otherwise known as The Jay Leno Show in its 10 p.m slot. The show has earned poor ratings along with a backlash and a near revolt from local TV affiliates who said the Leno Show hurt their 11 o’clock newscasts. Meanwhile, Leno’s successor on The Tonight Show, Conan O’Brien, has had thin ratings since taking over as host, allowing rival CBS and David Letterman to surge ahead in the ratings. NBC has made the controversial decision to bump Leno to Conan’s current time slot, which would, in effect, return Leno to his former position, pushing back Conan and Jimmy Fallon one hour. Conan has publicly stated that he will not go along with what he called “the destruction of The Tonight Show.”
Topics: General |
