NBC to Alter Prime-Time Strategy as Part of 2.0 Restructure

NEW YORK, October 20: NBC Universal’s wide-ranging NBCU 2.0
restructure announced yesterday will see the NBC network focusing on
lower-cost, unscripted programming for its weeknight 8 p.m. slot, beginning in
the fall of next year.

The restructure is intended to allow the company to focus on
its digital media initiatives and its expansion plans outside of the U.S. About
700 jobs are being eliminated as part of 2.0, resulting in anticipated savings
of $750 million.

According to the New York Times, Jeff Zucker, the CEO of the
NBC Universal Television Group, said that the network would use unscripted
programming to lead off its prime time schedule. Dramas and comedies would be
saved for the 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. schedule.
“It was what the audience was asking for,” he said. “Look at Survivor on CBS
and Extreme Home Makeover on ABC
and American Idol on FOX.”

Bob Wright, NBC Universal’s chairman and CEO, is quoted as
saying; “Nobody has tried harder than we have to put on quality shows at 8.
This year we tried 30 Rock, which is
about the funniest show on television right now, but the audience just hasn’t
gravitated to it.”