Quote:
Originally Posted by V-RAPTOR
From what I understand he did not have a choice in the matter. Conan had it in his contract the the tonight show was he. I could be wrong but that's what I remember hearing.
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It was a little more complicated than that.
NBC asked Jay to step aside, but stay with NBC when Conan's deal was up.
Jay could've played hardball and threatened to go to ABC or FOX. NBC would have then had to decide between Jay or Conan for the Tonight Show.
Seeing how strong the ratings for the Tonight Show were (5 years ago when the deal was made), NBC would probably have kept Jay and let Conan go. But Leno rolled over and accepted NBC's deal.
As the time got closer however, Jay started to make noise about losing the Tonight Show and it was clear that Jay was not happy. NBC, sensing that they had a potentially bad situation brewing, decided to capitulate to Jay and offer him the 10pm slot. A horrible decision. Now it puts NBC, Jay AND Conan in a bad spot.
What happens if Jay fails?
What happens is Conan fails?
What happens is they BOTH fail?
It looks like the worst case scenario is happening. Jay's numbers are cratering. Conan is now losing to Letterman. And the whole ordeal is killing the ratings for NBC and their affiliates.
Stay tuned!
