UPDATE 2:53 PM PDT
Media Decoder, Bill Carter's television and media blog for the New York Times, is now reporting that NBC executives have held discussions with Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien Thursday about the future of the network’s late-night lineup. Those executives did not deny that the network is considering moves that could include returning Mr. Leno to his old job as host of “The Tonight Show.”
More to come ...
UPDATE 1:13 PM PDT
TMZ.com reports that after its Olympics hiatus on Feb. 1, "The Jay Leno Show" will move back to the 11:30 p.m. time slot. Citing sources it does not name, the report says it's not clear whether Jay's show, would be a half-hour lead-in to Conan O'Brien, or a full hour -- presumably sending O'Brien to the curb.
If any such a decision has really been made, it would be a complete surprise to the camp of O'Brien, who currently occupies the 11:30 slot, according to a person close to the situation who spoke to TheWrap.
UPDATE 11:44 PM PDT
NBC executives are now denying the report that "The Jay Leno Show" has been canceled, after initially saying only that the network was working with affiliates to make sure the show improved.
Today's flurry of speculation is no doubt tied to the fact that (a) affiliates are unhappy and will make that fact known at their affiliate meeting next week and (b) NBC is weighing its options on what to do next with Leno.
While NBC entertainment chief Angela Bromstad's recent remarks to BusinessWeek noting plans for 18 pilots would indicate the development boost is linked to Leno, in fact, NBC has been making it clear to agents since last September -- before Leno debuted -- that it planned to beef up development mightily. The reason: Um, it's in fourth place, and the era of managing for margin is over.
In other words, don't read too much into the idea that NBC is developing so much new content. Though, obviously, if/when Leno goes away (or is cut back), the network will need replacement programming.
Meanwhile, A senior executive at NBC told TheWrap this week that the network was committed to Leno as it had originally stated, for two years. The executive acknowledged that affiliates were upset about the drop in viewership since Leno had launched, but said that the comedian had committed to travel and perform in a series of markets to boost viewership and assuage affiliate anxiety.
The executive also said that NBC was mainly focused at rebuilding the 8-10 pm schedule, and improving those ratings. The Leno experiment would work its way through over time. Regardless of Leno's performance, the executive said, the network had an obligation to improve its ranking in scripted prpogramming.
Finally, the senior executive said, NBC was focused on cultivating a culture around a three-pillar strategy -- programming shows that focus on human stories, unique stories and positive stories. That strategy was ultimately what led to a decision to yank the critically supported "Southland," a dark police drama that did not fit into the upbeat, personal tone of programming under the new regime led by Jeff Gaspin.
