Everybody loves…Leno! The host of “The Tonight Show” Jay
Leno is being chased by major network companies like ABC and Fox as his
contract with NBC is coming to an end.
Four years ago NBC announced that by 2009 Leno will be
replaced by Conan O’Brien.
Probably they didn’t know back then that Leno will still be
on top of late-night ratings.
Now two years before his time on the Tonight Show ended,
Leno started receiving offers from two networks, ABC and FOX, and one
television studio, Sony Pictures Television.
In the meantime, NBC Universal said that it is not ready to
give up Leno yet, suggesting that he will remain here for a new program,
undisclosed by now.
Sony Pictures Television made it clear to Leno that as soon
he is allowed to discuss, he will receive an offer from them that will make him
the highest-paid host late-night television, will offer him a financial
interest in Sony music artists who appear on the show and his name will appear
on a new theater on the Sony lot.
Executives who are aware of Leno’s contract said that he
will remain to NBC until the end of 2009.
Kenneth Ziffren, Leno’s lawyer, said: “Jay will of course
honor his contract obligations to NBC. Jay isn’t talking to anyone about
anything and won’t be until it’s contractually proper,” the New York Times
reports.
But probably NBC’s expectations were exceeded as Leno, who
is turning 58 in April, hasn’t been
showing signs of weakness, instead he wins new ratings almost every night, and
has done that even during the three-month writers’ strike.
According to the executives, O’Brien will have to leave
“Late Night” next January and for five months will prepare for his transition
from New York to Los
Angeles.
Some suspect that O’Briens’ successor will be former
“Saturday Night Live” cast member, Jimmy Fallon.
Fox will use as a selling point to Leno its prime-time
dominance, while ABC will stress of prime-time and the lead in late local news.
ABC will offer Leno a show that can start at 11.35 p.m. which will be against “Tonight” and
Fox would give him a slot at 11 p.m.
One Fox executive said: “Another performer would find
getting a jump at 11 an advantage. But probably not Jay, who will want to be
head to head against NBC.”
Sony is said to give Leno a salary of $40 million a year or
more.
Even so, Leno is not available to sign with anyone until
late next year and can not go on air until January 2010.
