I wasn’t going to comment, for lack of time, on the Leno/O’Brien fiasco (latest: Leno may follow O’Brien and leave NBC). But after commenting on insideCBC’s “The Perils of Messing with Viewing Habits“, I might as well use my comments there as a post.
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Unlike “New Coke”, which is sugar water + ad campaign, the NBC fiasco involves people’s reputations and careers. I think, sadly, Leno’s reputation is now damaged. His show at the old time slot was cool with good ratings, then he had awful ratings at 10pm and became “uncool”. And I doubt viewers can easily forget how uncool he became at 10pm (catering to the 10pm audiences).
If I were a betting man, I will be betting my dollar on Leno not able to regain his former audience ratings whatever time slot he is placed. And the rotten situation O’Brien has to deal with now is very painful and likely irreversible until it is too late to do anything. This train wrecks are awful to watch but contains many “teachable moments” at the same time for people who care to think deeper. (note: feel free to share any “teachable insights” you have in the comment)
You probably don’t know, The Jay Leno show at 10pm is quite different from his old 11:35 show. So it is not just a time change. I can’t say for others, the 10pm show is more “dumbed down” and more lame. So it is the content he was forced to put up at 10pm to fit the 10pm demographics.
Re: CBC The National
How come I am NOT surprise at CBC senior execs and Peter M.’s surprises? The execs and Peter’s total disregard of viewers’ feelings and concerns and the “we don’t give a shit” mentality are the things that antagonize us the viewers.
P.S. On a personal note. I am happy to say I am well on my path to recovery from my addiction to CBC The National.
For the last few weeks, I have been able to schedule time in the middle of The National broadcast to watch other shows and videos on the internet. There are, NOT surprisingly, many good things to watch out there.
I still watch the first few minutes of The National so I know what CBC is putting as headlines (to balance any CTV bias). If there are important or interesting news I want to know more, I will watch a few more minutes of The National. If not, I will just wait to watch the full half hour CTV News with Lloyd Robertson.
Having been addicted to The National for so many years, I am glad to say it isn’t that hard to kick the habit.
Posted in Business, ethics, Television 
