The Tube For 1/7/10: Jeff Zucker Really Is Feeling Down

What a disaster, as it looks like there will be at least no more Leno show at 10. But it is more than just the subpar ratings that are the reason for this whole switch looking like it will blow up in face of the Chief of NBC Universal

That's because the affiliates are upset about Leno as the lead-in to their local newscasts, most of whose ratings have suffering because of Jay's late night numbers in 10 PM primetime. Those news shows have been cash cows for the O&Os and affiliates whose general managers are now spitting mad these profit centers are threatened. In fact, NBC just now took the unusual step of issuing a statement about the FTV Live report saying Leno's show will be cancelled without at first issuing a straight denial, which came later from the network. Here's the first NBC statement:

“Jay Leno is one of the most compelling entertainers in the world today. As we have said all along, Jay’s show has performed exactly as we anticipated on the network. It has, however, presented some issues for our affiliates. Both Jay and the show are committed to working closely with them to find ways to improve the performance.”

TMZ is saying that Leno will get his 11:30 PM spot back from Conan

We've learned Jay's 10:00 PM show will go on hiatus February 1. After the Olympics, Jay will take back his 11:30 PM time slot. What has not been decided -- whether Jay's show will be a half hour, followed by Conan, or whether Jay's show will be an hour and NBC says sayonara to Mr. O'Brien.

We're told Jay and Conan have both been told of the changes. As for Jay, interestingly, he'll get what he always wanted -- his 11:30 PM time slot.

You can think Jeff Zucker for this one. Obviously most will look to O'Brien reactions to what will happen to him (and you have to factor in Jimmy Fallon as well, because he is the angle that no one has talked about throughout the iInternet). It would look as one of the all time TV disasters (if it already isn't) if O'Brien is somehow dumped from the network entirety if Leno is given back his original time slot.

That is a move that just cannot happen here, as everyone from O'Brien to even Leno would lose in that situation. You know the "Jay pushed Conan out of his job" memo will be prevalent everywhere you turn. And really, does Leno (who I like too just to disclosure that) want his image to be tarnished further (if you think this has tarnished it further)?

These are the decisions that will all fall on the man who has made the decision creating this catastrophic television mess.

Not a good time to be Jeff Zucker.