NBC Universal CEO told financial analysts yesterday that the Peacock network is considering reducing its primetime programming as part of a reorganization effort.
“Can we continue to program 22 hours of prime time? Can we afford to program seven nights a week?” Zucker said. “We are actively looking at all of those questions.”
NBC has seen ratings drop by 14% this season and is currently running fourth in the primetime rankings.  This led to a restructuring Friday that saw the lay-off of 500 employees, including studio chief Katherine Pope, prime-time development head Teri Weinberg and reality chief Craig Plestis.Â
Angela Bromstad, who has headed NBC’s international studio in London since last year, will return to Los Angeles as president of prime-time entertainment, overseeing scripted series at both operations, while Paul Telegdy of BBC Worldwide Americas will oversee reality programming and specials.
NBC co-chairman Ben Silverman said he was “personally disappointed” in the network’s performance but declined to confirm he’ll stay at the network, saying only that he was “focused on my job.”
The problem isn’t that there’s too much time to fill, the problem is that it’sbeing filled with CRAP. Fill time with good shows, and voila! Higher ratings…. Doesn’t take a genius….
With the advent of new media and the DVR the days of the primetime are over. The networks need to revamp their focus and offer an array of programming for every audience type throughout the 24hr day. While alternative viewing still isn’t the majority of television viewing, within the next decade it will be and networks need to seriously consider that fact in their long-range planning.
Okay, they can make it smaller, but can they make it…um…..good?
Sweet tinkerbell jeebus, NBC really is becoming FOX. This news makes me very sad. 🙁
The absolute worst part? They’re filling the extra hour each night with Jay Leno’s new show…