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NBC, CBS At Odds on How to Survive

Zucker trumpets new model; Moonves aims for hit shows

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 22, 2009 2:45 PM CDT

(Newser) – America’s oldest TV broadcasters see very different roads ahead as they navigate today’s world of splintering audiences, Advertising Age reports. NBC is carving a new path, dropping five hours of potential scripted shows a week for a nightly Jay Leno show, and banking on its cable channels. CBS, meanwhile, is committed to big broadcast hits to keep viewers watching.

“The only sure way to declare defeat is to say, ‘I’m going to keep doing it the same old way,” says NBC’s Jeff Zucker, known for bucking established models. But CBS boss Leslie Moonves, known for expert programming, holds that the old way still works. “There’s a big difference between the model being broken and not being able to find any hit shows for years,” he says.

Jeff Zucker, President and CEO of NBC Universal, and actress Tina Fey are seen in a 2008 photo.
Jeff Zucker, President and CEO of NBC Universal, and actress Tina Fey are seen in a 2008 photo.   (AP Photo)
Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corp., is seen in a 2007 photo.
Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corp., is seen in a 2007 photo.   (AP Photo)
Jay Leno leaves at the annual Vanity Fair Oscar party at Morton's in West Hollywood, Calif., in this 2007 file photo.
Jay Leno leaves at the annual Vanity Fair Oscar party at Morton's in West Hollywood, Calif., in this 2007 file photo.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
2-bits
Jun 23, 2009 12:55 PM CDT
Honestly I don't see how they can compete with the internet as a delivery mechanism. If I were them I would invest a lot more than they have been in that direction. It astonishes me that networks are still allowing "pirates" (not sure if they are techincally pirates) like surfthechannel make money because they haven't hosted the content on the official site. People don't watch channels, they watch shows. I like to watch my shows when its convenient for me, which is when I'm done studying. Nothing I want to watch is on at 3am.
TiredMemeCat
Jun 23, 2009 12:29 PM CDT
/Excutive Beta rolls dice "Game shows are back."
TiredMemeCat
Jun 23, 2009 12:25 PM CDT
And CBS will roll out their most exciting show yet - CSI: Nursing Home.

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