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October 20, 2006
Madonna and NBC's Problems
NBC won't show Madonna 'crucifixion' video.
Gee, I wonder why?
NEW YORK (Reuters) - NBC Universal said on Thursday it would cut about 700 jobs and slash annual operating costs by $750 million to overhaul its media businesses, aiming to invest more in fast-growing international and digital operations.NBC is in major trouble. They were stupid enough to start not one, but two cable television networks. The rationale seemed to be that the NBC News name alone would be enough to pull viewers from CNN or FOX. When ratings started to fall, MSNBC started to turn to tabloid television and moonbat-centric shows, but even that is not enough to pull in viewers. I expect that in a year, MSNBC will not exist.The company, home to the NBC television network and the Universal Studios film unit, said its workforce would be reduced by about 5 percent. Major cuts are expected at its news division, according to published reports.
CNBC, on the other hand, is a pretty good channel and will likely survive. Unless, of course, NBC execs are stupid enough to move Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann to the channel. NBC's broadcast news has been hurt with the departures of Tom Brokaw and Katie Couric. Brian Williams is an orange lightweight and Meredith Viera is not popular with women. Both are also not shy about their liberalism, which doesn't help.
NBC's problems are compounded by the utter failure of what was supposed to be their primetime savior. The network spent record amounts of money getting "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" and have nothing to show for their efforts but bottom-barrel ratings. Then they spent a lot of money promoting that turkey, at the expense of shows like "Heroes" (which has succeeded despite its poor treatment) and "Friday Night Lights" which has appeal and may last.
The lack of stature dramas puts the channel in a bad spot for the next few years, as "ER" is becoming unwatchable and is outliving its welcome, and "Scrubs" may not be back because its stars just get tired of being jerked around and may leave. NBC treated some good shows quite poorly, and the ratings are suffering as a result
NBC's business model of arrogance and Law & Order is just not working out for them. I think they now realize showing Madonna on the cross will do nothing but further alienate the viewers that Aaron Sorkin spent so much time insulting on "Studio 60."
Oh yeah...getting rid of Olbermann might not hurt, either.
Posted by slublog at October 20, 2006 12:00 AM
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