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Conan O'Brien's new home? Network execs talk amongst themselves
The Hollywood Radio and Television Society (HRTS) is the premier forum for Hollywood's power players to get together, pretend to be friends and share their insights on the business.
As usual, their lunch on Tuesday (Feb 23) attracted the biggest players in the TV industry.
Which provided a perfect chance for the Dish Rag to corner exclusively question these honchos about a new home for Conan O'Brien, perhaps even on their networks.
Here's what they carefully said:
"I'm a big part of NBC/Universal so it's hard for me to comment, but I'm a big fan of his," Lauren Zalaznick, President, NBC Universal Women & Lifestyle Entertainment Networks, tells the Dish Rag. Want more? Read on:
"I'm a huge fan of Conan. A daily show for us would be really challenging, and I think that's what he would be interested in. Bill Maher, with his weekly (and not even that sometimes), is the right fit for us. But I hope he finds a home soon because I miss watching him."
-- Michael Lombardo, President of Programming and West Coast Operations for HBO
"I'm a very huge fan, but for TNT, which is a drama brand, it doesn't make a lot of sense. For TBS, it's a comedy brand, and we're really happy with George Lopez, but I'll never say never."
-- Steve Koonin, President, Turner Entertainment Networks
"I love Conan. To be honest, we haven't discussed it, it's not on our radar right now. But who doesn't love Conan? He's fantastic. George Lopez is a huge hit and a success story for us."
-- Michael Wright, Executive Vice President, Turner Entertainment Networks
"Conan is terrific, and really Conan has a home at every one of the networks at HRTS. But we're basically a non-fiction network. Probably though, Conan is someone everyone should be examining at this lunch and wondering if there is a place for him on their network. "
-- Peter Ligouri, Chief Operating Officer, Discovery Communications
"I'm a personal fan. But it doesn't seem like a particularly likely fit given who we are -- AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel and WE tv. If you evaluate those channels, they're on sort of different missions. But he's just such a talented guy, he'll be back soon somewhere."
-- Joshua Sapan, President/CEO, Rainbow Media Holdings.
"We're very intrigued. I think bigger fish are going to hook Mr. O'Brien, but if he had an interest in being involved with us, we'd love to talk to him."
-- Kevin Beggs, President of Television Programming and Production, Lionsgate
"I'm a huge fan, I'd love him to host some of our shows and events. We have an afternoon show starting on MTV and I'd love him to come on by. He has a core loyal fan following among the MTV demo, in particular young college men."
-- Van Toffler, President, MTV Networks Music/Films/Logo Group.
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More Conan/Leno dish:
Who gets Triumph the Insult Dog?
Jay Leno uses a Beatles tune to promote his return
Conan O'Brien may take to the stage
Conan O'Brien is Zap2it readers' favorite late night host
Photo credits: Conan. WireImage. Beggs, Koonin, Liguori, Lombardo, Sapan, Toffler, Zalaznick: Farrell/Chyna Entertainment & Design, LLC
Reporting: Leah Sydney
More Conan/Leno dish:
Who gets Triumph the Insult Dog?
Jay Leno uses a Beatles tune to promote his return
Conan O'Brien may take to the stage
Conan O'Brien is Zap2it readers' favorite late night host
Photo credits: Conan. WireImage. Beggs, Koonin, Liguori, Lombardo, Sapan, Toffler, Zalaznick: Farrell/Chyna Entertainment & Design, LLC
Reporting: Leah Sydney
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When and wherever he ends up he will wipe the floor with Leno.
What about FOX???? Were they not at this thing to weigh in on the issue? All the talk is that FOX is where he'll wind up and I hope he does. Today he started a Twitter account (and it's verified)... @ConanOBrien
I just hope he winds up somewhere soon. We miss you Conan!
I'm betting Coco turns up on FOX, its a logical fit, plus he would get a half hour jump
on Leno, thus insuring The Tonight Shows demise.
Comedy Central is still a possibility, too. I remember during the writers strike when Conan, Jon Stewart and Colbert did some great improvised comedy together. There's a great chance for a terrific 1-2-3 punch here for that network.
From NBC to Comedy Central? That's like going from Moscow to Siberia, isn't it?
If Conan was so great, where were his ratings? These comments from TV insiders are VERY telling. Basically "Conan's great, we love him, but he wouldn't work with our programming/network(s)." That is hardly a vote of confidence. There is a reason why Conan got the boot from NBC. No one watched him (until the controversy regarding his firing erupted). He has a loyal, but very niche, following. As shown by his horrible ratings, to the majority of Americans (and obviously TV execs) he has VERY limited appeal.
Wait...young college men are MTV's demo? Have they ever watched their own network in the last 10 years?
I agree with skier_ict. If there were fans and ratings for Conan's show where were they when he was on the air?
He was given a chance to keep his show and start at a different time. He refused and he lost his show. Period. End of story. Perhaps had he not overestimated his power he may have taken the offer and worked to increase his ratings. All this Conan Band Wagon is about people feeling sorry for the underdog. Well Leno is that now. He had nothing to do with Conan not succeeding so wake up people and leave it alone. Seems no one wants this great Conan on their network. Too bad you were not there watching him and none of this would have happened. Sorry but I dont find him funny at all. He was best after he was fired and had something funny to say.
Still see him going to FOX.