NBCU to Cut Pilots in a Bid to Save Costs

NEW YORK, January 23: In response to the writers’ strike and
a looming U.S. recession, NBC Universal is looking to save as much as $50
million by virtually eliminating pilots, according to the New York Times.

The newspaper cited a speech given by the company’s
president and CEO, Jeff Zucker, to NBC Universal’s employees via
videoconference from London, where he stopped on his way to Davos to attend the
World Economic Forum.

“It’s clear we are in a recession in the United States, and
we’re going to have to manage our business accordingly,” Zucker is quoted as
saying.

The price of an hour-long pilot is now said to be about $7
million—up from $3 million three years ago. And many never make it to
air. “So you’re spending money on programs you’re not going to get,” Zucker
said.

Zucker noted that NBC may still commission one or two pilots
per season. Other networks are also cutting back, according to the Times.

—By Mansha Daswani