Posted on 10/10/2007 10:08:27 PM PDT by BurbankKarl
After more than a half-century, NBC Universal is dropping the curtain on "beautiful downtown Burbank."
The media company plans to announce Thursday that it is selling much of the 30 acres it owns in Burbank, including its legendary NBC Studios at 3000 W. Alameda Ave., home to such iconic programs as "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and before that, "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson."
NBC Universal intends to relocate the network and local news operations that are in Burbank to a new headquarters in a massive complex planned on Lankershim Boulevard, across the street from its Universal Studios entertainment complex. An MTA Red Line subway station and a sprawling surface parking lot now occupy the proposed site, which is next to the 101 Freeway. NBC Universal expects to move into the new center in 2011.
Separately, NBC Universal confirmed that "The Tonight Show" is remaining in Los Angeles when Conan O'Brien takes over the show from Leno in 2009. With the Burbank facility on the block, the network is expanding and upgrading Studio One, a sound stage on the Universal Studios lot that was built in 1961 for the "Jack Benny Show," to be the new home of the late-night program. Other memorable productions, including "Jurrasic Park" and "The Incredible Hulk," as well as the 1980s television show "Knight Rider" were also shot there.
NBC Universal three years ago made the controversial decision to give O'Brien the legendary 11:35 p.m. time slot. That move effectively set a retirement date for Leno, who continues to be one of the network's most popular and bankable stars.
"This is very disappointing," said Mary Alvord, Burbank's city manager.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Savages and morons.
Ten years from now, they’ll want it back.
There was another thread on FR that GE might sell NBC after the Olympics in China...
Wow, that’s suprising.
Yeah, right.
I have such fond memories of NBC Burbank studios. It breaks my heart they are moving to Universal City. Although smaller than the other studios, it was a great place to work and to actually get to know others on the lot. I’m curious who will buy it after the move.
I don’t see the benefit to this move.
Leno is moving to Fox
If they are smart they will sell the property and rent the other because the way tv media is going they will not have a need for new studio space in 6 years.
I didn’t know they were getting rid of Leno. Was he too conservative for them?
What’s next? Sell 30 Rock?
Penny-pinching pinhead engineers at GE have done all they can to ruin that network from the top down.
Yes they have!
No way it will happen in ‘09. NBC will fork over some serious coin to stop it.
They need to build a green, sustainable West Coast presence with lots of CFLs. They are literally going to build a giant building on top of the Red Line Station in Univeral City.....the plan also includes townhomes, offices and other nonsense on the Universal Backlot....
I read Leno isnt renewing with NBC.
it is stupid. they are moving less than 10 miles away.
Of course. It’s only 2007. Remember, “no” is merely the second step in a long negotiation.
I don’t see any adantage either. Except, maybe the rent is lower there? Maybe Villar cut a deal with them and a tax break?
Well, they did tear down the CNBC studios pretty quick....I thought that was a scheme too.
The rents would be higher, and they own the present building.
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