Ben Silverman is now sitting in the top programming job at NBCU, and his boss Jeff Zucker is reportedly eyeing some juicy talent from Comedy Central, Jon Stewart of the "Daily Show" fame.
Jon Stewart - Los Angeles, CA © Glenn Harris / Photorazzi
Broadcasting & Cable reports exclusively that NBC Universal President/Chief Executive Jeff Zucker and NBC Entertainment/Universal Media Studios Co-Chair Marc Graboff "recently wined and dined the satirical news anchor and his agent, James Dixon."
Broadcasting & Cable's insider added the talks were purely "exploratory": “They just made their interest known in finding a way to do business together if Jon was ever available.”
Zucker’s subtle snaring of Meredith Vieira from "The View" to replace Katie Couric on the "Today" show was noted, as was Stewart’s deal with Comedy Central being up in 2008, noted B&C.
Allegedly Comedy Central is watching their resources to keep funds at the ready for their biggest network draw.
B&C claims NBC "is turning its attention to its own late-night future. The network has some major decisions to make in the wake of its announcement that Conan O’Brien is scheduled to replace Jay Leno on The Tonight Show in 2009. Leno is still printing money for NBC, and the show’s profitability is even more important now, given the network’s primetime struggles."
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