Barry Meyer: Stripping 'Jay Leno Show' In Primetime Not Good For Network Image
NBC’s decision to strip The Jay Leno Show in the 10 p.m. timeslot is not ultimately good for its brand, Warner Bros. Chairman and CEO Barry Meyer said during a keynote Q&A at the Broadcasting & Cable/Multichannel News OnScreen Media Summit Oct. 21 in NYC.
Because NBC has been known for its scripted, high-produced programming at 10 p.m., like Warner Bros.-produced ER, Meyer said having strip programming in primetime long-term is not a good decision.
He does understand why the network gave it a try, however.
“The Leno experiment is an interesting one for the network if you really can get the viewer to buy into the strip model,” he said. “It’s a very compelling business model short-term.”
Having strip programming in primetime, Meyer contends, is bad for the image the networks see themselves as having, and diminishes the impact that the high-quality dramas that traditionally have occupied that space have on popular culture.
Jill Kennedy commented:
It's very simple. The Jay Leno Show Has Failed...
mankabros.com/onmedea/2009/10/the-jay-leno-show-has-failed.html
jmcquivey commented:
In the long run, the revenues to support so many primetime dramas simply aren't there. The first one to realize it and develop an alternative model (namely, NBC) has an advantage going into 2010 and beyond.
And let's face it, outside of us industry geeks, networks don't even have "images." You'd be hard pressed to find a consumer in America who doesn't work in TV who would express concerns about NBC's image given the Leno experiment.
GS commented:
I'm glad that "he does understood" their decision.
Silence Dogood commented:
Spoken like the head of a high budget scripted programming producer.
Leno will find his stride in his new slot, and NBC will make a lot more money than they would have made with a scripted show from WB.