ABC luring Letterman
03-01-02 | 02:43 PM
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From: Democratik People's Republik of Kalifornia
ABC luring Letterman
http://www.msnbc.com/news/717832.asp?cp1=1
March 1 — ABC is in serious negotiations with CBS late-night host David Letterman about bringing his show to that network’s 11:30 p.m. time slot, which would lead to the relocation or even the demise of ABC News’s “Nightline” after 21 years, industry sources said yesterday.
March 1 — ABC is in serious negotiations with CBS late-night host David Letterman about bringing his show to that network’s 11:30 p.m. time slot, which would lead to the relocation or even the demise of ABC News’s “Nightline” after 21 years, industry sources said yesterday.
03-01-02 | 04:10 PM
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When ABC went after Dave the first time Ted Koppel never made any remarks, but now he is speaking out and is totally against this. I guess he realizes that this may not become a reality.
03-01-02 | 05:03 PM
#4
I wish Conan would move to an earlier slot. Is there any chance he could move to ABC or take Dave's show if Dave moves to ABC?
IMO, Conan is better than both Letterman and Leno anyway.
IMO, Conan is better than both Letterman and Leno anyway.
03-01-02 | 05:34 PM
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From: Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Conan just signed a long term deal with NBC so he won't be heading to ABC anytime soon.
Jon Stewart would be a good choice to take a possible ABC late night slot. He was originally the odds on favorite to replace Tom Snyder on the Late Late Show but he ended up going to the Daily Show since Craig Kilborn took the LLS.
Jon Stewart would be a good choice to take a possible ABC late night slot. He was originally the odds on favorite to replace Tom Snyder on the Late Late Show but he ended up going to the Daily Show since Craig Kilborn took the LLS.
03-01-02 | 06:20 PM
#6
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Originally posted by NitroJMS
Jon Stewart would be a good choice to take a possible ABC late night slot. He was originally the odds on favorite to replace Tom Snyder on the Late Late Show but he ended up going to the Daily Show since Craig Kilborn took the LLS.
Jon Stewart would be a good choice to take a possible ABC late night slot. He was originally the odds on favorite to replace Tom Snyder on the Late Late Show but he ended up going to the Daily Show since Craig Kilborn took the LLS.
03-01-02 | 11:22 PM
#7
Originally posted by adamblast
I agree. Stewart took the D show and made it twice the success it was -- even though he had (and still has) a completely different comedy style then the rest of the cast and writing staff... He made it work well, even though he wasn't an exact fit... Now he deserves a stronger platform he can design specifically around his own brand of humor...
I agree. Stewart took the D show and made it twice the success it was -- even though he had (and still has) a completely different comedy style then the rest of the cast and writing staff... He made it work well, even though he wasn't an exact fit... Now he deserves a stronger platform he can design specifically around his own brand of humor...
Jon Stewart will have to do the same if he goes to ABC. I realize ABC wants a younger demographic, but there is no way that they'd let him do a lot of the more "adult" humor he does on the Daily show on a regular talk show potentially competing against Dave and Jay.
I think from what I've read that Letterman was/is VERY upset with CBS and one of his only problems with really pursuing the ABC deal quickly is that he feels bad that it might end up with him replacing Ted koppel and nightline. Letterman has a lot of respect for him.
But ABC claims they wanted to give Nightline the boot even before they thought they could get Letterman. If that's true and Letterman passes on ABC, then ABC would have nothing to lose in trying Jon Stewart out. I think between Letterman and Leno he would get squashed, but he is right up there with Conan and just behind Letterman and Larry Sanders in talent (imho).
I think if the Nightline issue can be smoothed over that there is a better than 50% chance you'll see Letterman on ABC this fall. I think Letterman is really loyal but CBs has treated him pretty badly, they passed on "ED" (after Letterman gave them "Everbody Loves Raymond"), and they simply have a really old core audience and the worst affiliates of any of the big 3 networks and Letterman seems tired of not being able to compete with Leno in the ratings because of those things. And they won't be changing anytime soon.
Now if ABC would just bring back the Mole!
03-02-02 | 10:31 AM
#9
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What did Koppel say against Letterman?
Was he saying Letterman wasn't talented or was he just saying that there is a serious need for a show like Nightline?
Isn't Koppel retiring anyway?
Was he saying Letterman wasn't talented or was he just saying that there is a serious need for a show like Nightline?
Isn't Koppel retiring anyway?
03-02-02 | 10:59 AM
#10
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Another new story about this...
ABC woos Letterman to replace 'Nightline'
NEW YORK - ABC, trying to challenge NBC and CBS for the sizable revenue of late-night entertainment, has made a strong bid this week to lure David Letterman, the CBS star, to ABC, in a move that would displace Ted Koppel and "Nightline."
Letterman has been seriously considering the initiative by ABC for several days, executives involved in the negotiations said Thursday night.
ABC's move reflects the network's unease with "Nightline," the widely celebrated news program that has been on the air for 22 years. Executives involved in the situation pointed to the older audience makeup of the program, as well as to declining ratings over the last several years. The decline, one executive said, was due to the expansion of all-news cable channels, which now cover exhaustively the big news story of the day, formerly the special province of "Nightline."
ABC's effort to woo Letterman came six months before his contract with CBS was due to expire.
Executives at ABC and CBS declined to discuss the situation on the record Thursday, but several executives involved in the negotiations confirmed that CBS had been unsuccessful in renewing Letterman's contract during an exclusive negotiation period that ended last month.
"CBS tried to strong-arm him and alienated him and everybody else on his side," said one executive. "They were convinced he had nowhere else to go."
Executives involved in CBS' side of the talks said the network had found it difficult to satisfy Letterman's requests but that they were continuing to negotiate and in recent days were convinced they were coming closer to concluding a deal.
Letterman has been unhappy with several aspects of his relationship with CBS, associates said, including poor lead-in local news shows that have made it difficult for him to overtake NBC's Jay Leno for late-night leadership, as well as what the Letterman side thinks has been inadequate promotion.
Once CBS' exclusive negotiating period ended, ABC began a full-court press to secure Letterman for its 11:35 p.m. time period, including giving him assurances that the network had already decided to replace "Nightline" and the show that follows it, "Politically Incorrect," hosted by the comedian Bill Maher.
"Nightline" attracts a sizable audience of more than 4 million viewers a night, comparable with what Letterman brings in on CBS. But "Nightline" does not perform nearly as well among younger audience groups that are more prized by advertisers.
Salary figures that ABC might have suggested to Letterman were not disclosed, but Letterman has been earning about $20 million a year at CBS, executives said. One executive involved in the negotiations said ABC had been highly aggressive in attempting to present the star with an attractive deal.
NEW YORK - ABC, trying to challenge NBC and CBS for the sizable revenue of late-night entertainment, has made a strong bid this week to lure David Letterman, the CBS star, to ABC, in a move that would displace Ted Koppel and "Nightline."
Letterman has been seriously considering the initiative by ABC for several days, executives involved in the negotiations said Thursday night.
ABC's move reflects the network's unease with "Nightline," the widely celebrated news program that has been on the air for 22 years. Executives involved in the situation pointed to the older audience makeup of the program, as well as to declining ratings over the last several years. The decline, one executive said, was due to the expansion of all-news cable channels, which now cover exhaustively the big news story of the day, formerly the special province of "Nightline."
ABC's effort to woo Letterman came six months before his contract with CBS was due to expire.
Executives at ABC and CBS declined to discuss the situation on the record Thursday, but several executives involved in the negotiations confirmed that CBS had been unsuccessful in renewing Letterman's contract during an exclusive negotiation period that ended last month.
"CBS tried to strong-arm him and alienated him and everybody else on his side," said one executive. "They were convinced he had nowhere else to go."
Executives involved in CBS' side of the talks said the network had found it difficult to satisfy Letterman's requests but that they were continuing to negotiate and in recent days were convinced they were coming closer to concluding a deal.
Letterman has been unhappy with several aspects of his relationship with CBS, associates said, including poor lead-in local news shows that have made it difficult for him to overtake NBC's Jay Leno for late-night leadership, as well as what the Letterman side thinks has been inadequate promotion.
Once CBS' exclusive negotiating period ended, ABC began a full-court press to secure Letterman for its 11:35 p.m. time period, including giving him assurances that the network had already decided to replace "Nightline" and the show that follows it, "Politically Incorrect," hosted by the comedian Bill Maher.
"Nightline" attracts a sizable audience of more than 4 million viewers a night, comparable with what Letterman brings in on CBS. But "Nightline" does not perform nearly as well among younger audience groups that are more prized by advertisers.
Salary figures that ABC might have suggested to Letterman were not disclosed, but Letterman has been earning about $20 million a year at CBS, executives said. One executive involved in the negotiations said ABC had been highly aggressive in attempting to present the star with an attractive deal.
03-02-02 | 02:53 PM
#11
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Good, Letterman's show is SOO much better than Lenos. I think he actually rivals Conan, and its a good thing Conan is later, or there would be some serious competition. Its too bad that CBS doesn't promote his show at all. This can be seen with the crappy guests Dave usually gets... Though there are some big names that are very loyal, like Julia Roberts. She obviously loves coming on Dave's show and feelws very comfortable. That can't be said for Leno. Dave is MUCH better at what he does, he actually listens to the guests, interacts with them instead of reading predetermined scripts. He seems inteligent! Leno just seems dumb when they get off track, like, "uh uh, what do I do?? They're not following the script!"
And Paul Schaffer is SOO much better than that annoying guitar player on Leno! UGH! Leno copies EVERYTHING from Dave and does it MUCH worse, it's pathetic. I will be glad to see Dave's show getting much needed promotion and attention, he will certianlly squash Leno.
I remember there was a bout a 6 month period when Dave was WAY ahead of Leno, right after he started at CBS, but CBS didn't take advantage of it or promote his show very much and Leno was getting better guests... it's a shame. Oh well.
And Paul Schaffer is SOO much better than that annoying guitar player on Leno! UGH! Leno copies EVERYTHING from Dave and does it MUCH worse, it's pathetic. I will be glad to see Dave's show getting much needed promotion and attention, he will certianlly squash Leno.
I remember there was a bout a 6 month period when Dave was WAY ahead of Leno, right after he started at CBS, but CBS didn't take advantage of it or promote his show very much and Leno was getting better guests... it's a shame. Oh well.
03-02-02 | 04:38 PM
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Very interesting. I wonder what will end up happening, I always thought it was weird that ABC did not have a show to complete (a talk show for that matter). However, Letterman moving to ABC won't make me watch it. I would also not watch Jon Stewart. I find both unfunny and boring. 
Go Leno/Conan.
How wins the ratings? Letterman or Leno?
Go Leno/Conan.How wins the ratings? Letterman or Leno?
03-02-02 | 05:53 PM
#14
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Originally posted by Eternia
How wins the ratings? Letterman or Leno?
How wins the ratings? Letterman or Leno?
03-02-02 | 07:46 PM
#15
Originally posted by darkside
Leno is winning the ratings, but its not because he does a better show. Letterman is by far the better of the shows
Leno is winning the ratings, but its not because he does a better show. Letterman is by far the better of the shows
I would hope that over at ABC, he'd get some real support and some great lead-in shows. Still, he only slightly trails Leno in the ratings, and for years, he was winning. In fact, I think his show has gotten better since he stopped beaing Leno in the ratings. It's just that Leno gets the better guests. Hell, sometimes I watch Leno, because he has someone I really want to see. But I watch Dave for the first 30 minutes, then flip over to Leno's annoying interview and then go back.
das
03-03-02 | 06:26 PM
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Originally posted by darkside
Leno is winning the ratings, but its not because he does a better show. Letterman is by far the better of the shows, which is the reason he wins all the Emmys. I actually watched Leno to see the Flying Cars short film and it was torture having to sit through Leno's jokes just to see it.
Leno is winning the ratings, but its not because he does a better show. Letterman is by far the better of the shows, which is the reason he wins all the Emmys. I actually watched Leno to see the Flying Cars short film and it was torture having to sit through Leno's jokes just to see it.
I am reverse. I only watch Dave if there is a guest I want to see. I think I have watched Dave a total of three times (2 Britney Spears, 1 Kelsey Grammer). All three times I found him really not funny. To each his own I guess. However, I do like Letterman better than that dude that comes on after him, Craig Kilborn or whatever.
03-03-02 | 11:50 PM
#17
Originally posted by Eternia
I never knew so many people hated Leno hehe. Have some doritos.
I only watch Dave if there is a guest I want to see. I think I have watched Dave a total of three times (2 Britney Spears, 1 Kelsey Grammer).
I never knew so many people hated Leno hehe. Have some doritos.
I only watch Dave if there is a guest I want to see. I think I have watched Dave a total of three times (2 Britney Spears, 1 Kelsey Grammer).
Last edited by dolphinboy; 03-04-02 at 12:01 AM.
03-07-02 | 01:04 AM
#18
DVD Talk Legend
Report: CBS offers Letterman $31.5 million to stay
holy crap 31 million per year.
http://www.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/TV/0....ap/index.html
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- CBS, in a tug-of-war with ABC for the services of David Letterman, has offered the "Late Show" host an annual salary of $31.5 million plus performance bonuses, a network source told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Letterman, whose contract with CBS expires this year, would also receive additional salary increases in future years, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
ABC has offered Letterman $31 million a year and his own studio in the network's Times Square complex in New York in a bid to get him to leave CBS, according to Entertainment Weekly magazine.
Either raise would be a relative pittance. Letterman, who has been at CBS since 1993, reportedly earns $30 million a year.
http://www.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/TV/0....ap/index.html
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- CBS, in a tug-of-war with ABC for the services of David Letterman, has offered the "Late Show" host an annual salary of $31.5 million plus performance bonuses, a network source told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Letterman, whose contract with CBS expires this year, would also receive additional salary increases in future years, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
ABC has offered Letterman $31 million a year and his own studio in the network's Times Square complex in New York in a bid to get him to leave CBS, according to Entertainment Weekly magazine.
Either raise would be a relative pittance. Letterman, who has been at CBS since 1993, reportedly earns $30 million a year.
03-07-02 | 02:33 AM
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A prediction if the deal goes through.
January 2003 - Dave is unhappy with the Pin-head suits at ABC.
Anyone buying the Drudge Report about CBS courting Howard Stern?
http://drudgereport.com/matths.htm
January 2003 - Dave is unhappy with the Pin-head suits at ABC.
Anyone buying the Drudge Report about CBS courting Howard Stern?
http://drudgereport.com/matths.htm
