Posted on 01/10/2010 2:38:27 PM PST by abb
Jeff Zucker was a fearless news producer and fast-rising entertainment executive who was just 41 when he became head of NBC Universal. But in the last few years, the onetime whiz kid behind the "Today" show -- he turned Katie Couric into a star -- has made several costly miscalculations that have led to a spectacular fall by the country's premier television network.
Zucker's troubles were magnified this week when, with NBC facing a revolt by affiliate stations furious over their sinking ratings, he decided to move Jay Leno back to late night after less than four months. The unusual measure was an acknowledgment that Zucker's gambit to shift the comedian into prime time had failed.
NBC's Leno flip-flop, which is shaping up to be one of the biggest debacles in television history, underscores how Zucker, who views himself as a maverick and a champion of change, now faces a decidedly different legacy. Instead of the mogul with moxie who transformed television -- he called for "a re-engineering of our businesses from top to bottom" -- Zucker might better be remembered as the guy who plucked the peacock.
How Zucker found himself in such a fix is a study in how a chief executive, confronting wrenching changes to his business, reacts to challenges.
Now the network is bracing for more fallout: Will Conan O'Brien, who last spring became host of the storied "Tonight Show," leave the network when Leno moves from 10 p.m. back to 11:35 p.m., which could happen as soon as March? Will Leno remain content with a half-hour show, signing off at 12:05 a.m. to make room for O'Brien, if he stays? And how will NBC plug five hours of programming each week in Leno's vacated time slot?
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(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
ping
http://gannettblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/dickey-wall-street-and-newspaper-job.html
Dickey, Wall Street — and newspaper job cuts
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/01/nbcs-jeff-gaspin-sets-exit-date-for-leno-from-prime-time-still-no-deal-with-conan-obrien.html
NBC sets Jay Leno’s prime-time exit and return to late night; still no deal with Conan O’Brien
http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100110/A_NEWS0801/1100311/-1/a_news02
‘Pay wall’ goes up this week — what does it mean?
http://www.kcconfidential.com/?p=11830
Rumors of More Layoffs at Kansas City Star on the Rise
LOL
here is mythought on another thread
**************
....God only knows what they’ll replace him with.....
Perhaps a panel show. Maybe they could develop a panel format to discuss important subjects.
Perhaps they could discuss the political and cultural aspects of Law and Order SVU. On alternate nights just plain ol Law and Order be hashed over for moral and ethical questions raised. Americans are starved for authentic discussion of real issue by real people
http://www.newspaperdeathwatch.com/
Assault on Sacred Cows
http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/nbc-officially-cancels-leno-at-10pm-nothing-else-a-done-deal/
NBC MEETS THE PRESS: Officially Cancels Leno Show At 10PM: Wants To Keep Jay AND Conan AND Jimmy; Admits Nothing A Done Deal Yet; Claims Leno In Primetime Was Doing OK; Blames Affiliates For Making Network Yank It; “PR Nightmare”
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/443372-NBC_Affils_Chairman_Yanking_Jay_Was_Best_Decision_They_Could_ve_Made_.php
NBC Affils Chairman: Yanking Jay Was ‘Best Decision They Could’ve Made’
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/443371-TCA_Gaspin_More_Life_Left_In_Broadcast.php
TCA: Gaspin: ‘More Life Left’ In Broadcast
The chatter is they will make another run at scripted shows for that time slot. But that’s going to cost money. Money they don’t have. I suspect this piece on Zucker is intended to telegraph to him that he needs to tidy up his resume. Comcast is going to want their guy in when they take over.
I don’t watch NBC at all or for any reason.
I think I’d be happier watching a TV that was off.
Good luck, Zuckey.
Dancing with the Star
NBC is re instituting the Tonight Show but they just wont call it that. Conan’s going back to the Late Show but he keeps the Tonight Show badge. They are a complete mess. NBC screwed up big time by kicking Leno out of the Tonight Show, the only money making machine for NBC. They should thank their lucky stars that Leno didn’t join a rival network.
She's a star!!
Why not commission a focus group - a real group of conservatives, not a manufactured audience of rinos. Ask them to watch their news shows for a week and provide feedback - real feedback that will be taken seriously. Don't play games with questionnaires to lead an answer or dilute an opinion. Then, they will have the necessary data to make strategic decisions about their shows and stars. Personally, it's so painful for me to watch NBC, I couldn't tell you which channel it is on our Comcast service or what the shows are. But if I knew NBC was serious, I would consider giving my opinions.
It's simple. What business are they in?
Any relation to David Zucker of Airplane! ?
He’s a conservative, as I recall.
This is just for the Olympics. Like the White House I believe nothing from MSM.
She's getting ready for another televised colonoscopy.
I like the idea of modern day Dumont Network.
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