InfoAnda - NBC a lot different from days when `ER' started

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Indonesia's corruption-busters take on the tomcats | International | | 18 December 2008
Federal judge hears challenge to Iraq war | 22 April 2009
Cadel Evans knows allies may be hard to find | 14 July 2009

Tunisia Islamists say fear election delay planned | | 27 June 2011

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : NBC a lot different from days when `ER' started

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Asia Pacific World Search Search: NBC a lot different from days when `ER' started By DAVID BAUDER,AP Television Writer AP - 2 hours 37 minutes ago NEW YORK - The "ER" that exits television with its final episode Thursday on NBC is a shadow of its former self, stripped of the star power and buzz _ and a majority of viewers _ from its heyday. ADVERTISEMENT Kind of like NBC itself, when you think about it. When "ER" debuted in the fall of 1994, NBC was the must-see king of broadcast television, its schedule filled with classics like "Seinfeld," "Friends," "Frasier," "Homicide: Life on the Street," "Law & Order" and "Mad About You." Advertisers paid a premium to reach its desirable _ and large _ audience. The NBC of 2009 is a fourth-place network struggling to find its place. Last week, the penultimate episode of "ER" was the network's most-watched show with 10.4 million viewers, ranking it No. 20 in prime-time. That's less than a third of what "ER' averaged every Thursday in its peak second season. NBC's fall came from a combination of poor decisions and inevitability, putting it in a down cycle from which there's no guarantee of recovery. "It's a different industry than it was when `ER' started," said Garth Ancier, one of eight men who have led NBC's entertainment division over the past 15 years. There were no DVRs when "ER" started, let alone opportunities to watch TV programs over the Internet or on DVD. The gaming industry was in its infancy. The average American home received 41 stations in 1995 and 119 in 2007, according to Nielsen Media Research. Cable stations once content to air reruns now produce award-winning original series. With so many more options, NBC's prime-time audience dropped from an average of 16.5 million in 1994-95 to 8.1 million this year, Nielsen said. While that doesn't make NBC unique _ ABC actually lost more viewers during that stretch _ it speaks to a diminished influence. The 15-year tenure of "ER" illustrates one of NBC's problems: the network generally stuck with signature shows for too long and had little worthwhile to replace them. Unless, of course, you considered "Joey" a fair trade for "Friends." It's an understandable strategy _ why trade a proven hit for a question mark, even if you know that hit's best days are behind it? Among its target audience of young viewers, NBC was on top for eight of nine years between 1995-96 through 2003-04. Almost by definition a network becomes complacent in this position, said Marc Graboff, NBC entertainment co-chairman. With its audiences and profit margins shrinking, broadcast networks began relying on cheaper reality shows. Between "Survivor," "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and "American Idol," CBS, ABC and Fox all had signature hits that changed their fortunes. Nothing on NBC approached that level. After several years of stability beneath Warren Littlefield and Don Ohlmeyer, NBC's entertainment division began rapid-fire management changes, with the new ideas and favorites that always follow. Again, NBC isn't unusual, as Fox had similar churn. But it contrasts with stable CBS. Leslie Moonves has had the final word on CBS' schedule since he became entertainment chief in 1995, even as he climbed the corporate ladder. NBC parent General Electric Co. used to give the entertainment division plenty of freedom, but as the hits dried up, financial concerns became paramount, said Tim Brooks, author of "The Complete Directory to Prime-time Network and Cable TV Shows." At times, NBC programmers have seemed lost. Poor choices squandered the network's advantage on Thursdays, once the most powerful night in television. NBC has strong Thursday comedies now with "The Office" and "30 Rock," but their relatively narrow appeal hasn't brought back the glory days. Even as broadcast networks seek the largest possible audience, they often have a general focus to give them direction. ABC, for instance, is aimed primarily at women. "American Idol" aside, Fox seeks young men with adventure series like "24." CBS is the destination for viewers who want a traditional network as they've known it for years. NBC used to be the upscale network, with smart shows for smart urban viewers. What is it now? "The network that brings us `Howie Do It' has a hard time justifying that kind of image anymore," Brooks said. NBC executives believe the past is a blueprint for the future. "To get back that position as being an industry leader is very important to us," Graboff said. "It's part of our heritage." NBC has sought to weather the hard times with savvy business decisions. Series like "The Office" may not have a broad audience, but NBC has aggressively marketed the series on iTunes and on DVD, and sells show-related merchandise. Since NBC owns the show, the network recently made a big score by selling the show for syndication. NBC's bold decision to air Jay Leno at 10 p.m. each weeknight this fall could potentially be a stroke of financial genius, and allow the network to concentrate better programs in the remaining two prime-time hours. But don't expect a network to command the profit margins and rich lineup of scripted shows of the glory years. NBC spent millions for the series "Kings" and it debuted last month with fewer viewers than the show NBC ran in the same time slot a week before _ a special with clips of old "Saturday Night Live" routines. That's a powerful spending disincentive. Yet a true revival can't be done on the cheap. NBC is going to have to experiment and spend money in order to retrieve the you-have-to-see-this buzz that it long since lost, Brooks said. Graboff promised to try. "We're in a rebuilding phase cyclically," he said. "A cyclical rebuilding phase is a common thing _ it happens to everyone ...When you're in this phase you're willing to take more chances and that generally results at some point in a breakout television show." Wheel the patient into intensive care. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article 0 users recommend Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: Entertainment & Lifestyle YouTube blocks music videos on German siteAFP - 1 hour 18 minutes ago In trying times, trend is lower-budget TV showsAFP - 2 hours 1 minute ago NBC a lot different from days when `ER' startedAP - 2 hours 37 minutes ago Woo-hoo! The Simpsons to appear on postage stampsAP - Thursday, April 2 Richard Chamberlain celebrates his 75th on stageAP - Wednesday, April 1 Most Popular – Entertainment Viewed Hot tea linked with throat cancer Global recession pushing millions into poverty US home prices 'in record freefall' French workers hold managers at Caterpillar 100,000 secular Britons seek 'de-baptism' View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Wednesday, 1 April 2009
Iran, in gesture to U.S., promises help on drugs | International |
Netanyahu names government, offers Palestinians peace | International |
Children traumatized by Mexico drug war killings | International |
300 African migrants feared drowned off Libya | International |
Venezuela opposition leader in hiding | International |
Israeli warplanes bombed Sudan convoy: report | International |
Pope orders probe of scandal-plagued religious order | International |
Facebook CFO to leave company | Technology |
Tech spending may fall more in '09 than post-dotcom | Technology |
Madonna says following rules in Malawi adoption | Entertainment |
Global box office hits record $28.1 billion in '08 | Entertainment |
Bolt, Simpsons top Genesis Awards | Entertainment |
Thai PM threatens action against protests
North Korea missile consistent with satellite: U.S. | International |
Israel's Netanyahu vows to seek peace with Arabs
More than 200 feared dead in migrant shipwreck off Libya
US-TECH Summary
Global recession pushing millions into poverty
French workers hold managers at Caterpillar
Israel parliament approves Netanyahu govt
Samsung unveils Mondi WiMax device for Clearwire
Khodorkovsky wants Putin testimony at trial
E-books open new chapter for LCD makers
New Israeli foreign minister, in his own words
US home prices 'in record freefall'
France threatens G20 walk out
Computer experts brace for "Conficker" worm
Afghan unrest kills mayor, 30 militants
US consumer confidence flat amid weak economy
Analysis: Weekend uprising shows Iraqi tensions
Hitachi executive indicted in LCD price-fixing scheme
France threatens walkout before G20 summit
Iran, US officials meet at Afghan conference: Clinton
Former New Zealand PM Clark confirmed in top U.N. post | International |
HP exploring using Android software in computers
Netanyahu ready for peace with Palestinians
Netanyahu to be sworn in as Israel's new premier
IBM to enter "cloud computing" software market
Netanyahu says peace possible with Palestinians
Obama offers tough love to US car giants
HP considering Android for netbooks: report
Iran, US find common cause on Afghanistan
Highlights of draft bill to curb global warming
MySpace adding Citysearch local night life reviews
AFP, Getty Images agree video deal
Samsung unveils Mondi WiMax device for Clearwire
Sony cuts price of PlayStation 2, not PS3
Computer experts brace for Conficker worm | Technology |
US reporters 'face up to 10 years' jail' in NKorea
HP says pondering Google's Android | Technology |
Philippine Red Cross wants proof hostages alive
U.S. senators move to end Cuba travel ban
North Korea missile seen consistent with satellite
US to seek seat on UN Human Rights Council
US lawmakers urge web services to confront Vietnam
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,263
E-books open new chapter for LCD makers | Technology |
'World's best job' seekers for Australian island
US strides toward opening door to Cuba travel
Talking in color: imaging helps social skills | Technology |
Expert: NKorea has several nuclear warheads
Obama team seeks seat on UN rights body
Pakistani Taliban threaten strike on Washington
Senate panel okays nominees for Iraq, Afghanistan
Khmer Rouge prison chief pleads for forgiveness
IBM to enter cloud computing software market | Technology |
US asking that North Korea release Americans
Beijing rejects China spy ring report as 'lies'
13 killed in clash with Muslim rebels: military
"Bolt," "Simpsons" top Genesis Awards
South Korea March exports support recovery talk
Chinese President Hu leaves for G20 summit
NZ dollar drops, debt rallies on RBNZ statement
Tropics are a boon for baby girls
Korea Hot Stocks
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Oz Minerals, China's Minmetals in new $1.2bn deal
Film sets atwitter with stars' tweets
Japan's business confidence hits record low
FX gets TV rights for DreamWorks animated films
Seoul shares open higher led by banking issues
Global box office hits record $28 billion in '08
TV drama ER draws last breath after 15 years | Entertainment |
Indonesia's singing serial killer eyes pop stardom
NZ cenbank warns high wholesale rates unwarranted
Actor from 'Angel' dies at 33 of heart disease
Film sets atwitter with stars' tweets | Entertainment |
Hitachi executive charged in LCD price-fixing case
R&B singer Kelly Rowland splits with label
Japanese PM dismissed German warnings: FT
Steve Martin to make Grand Ole Opry debut
Billy Joel edges out Elton John in double-header | Entertainment |
Sony cuts PlayStation 2 price to $100
Global box office hits record $28 billion in '08 | Entertainment |
Cura follows Alagna in both `Cav' and `Pag' at Met
Metallica sidelining bass player at rock induction | Entertainment |
R&B singer Kelly Rowland splits with label | Entertainment |
Facebook chief financial officer exits firm
Facebook CFO to leave company
Afghanistan commanders expect spike in violence
Suspected U.S. drone fires missile in Pakistan, 12 dead | International |
Iran pledges Afghan help in new gesture to U.S. | International |
World wants Palestinian state, Peres tells Netanyahu | International |
Raul Alfonsin, hero of Argentine democracy, dies | International |
ECB to cut rates, explore 'non-standard' policies
China detains man compiling list of quake victims | International |
Obama team seeks seat on UN rights body
Thai government seeks talks with Thaksin to end siege | International |
Study: Bangladesh hosts 6,000 rare dolphins
Mexican businessmen flee to US to avoid crime
Cuba has made no plans for spike in US visitors
Obama envoy visits Sudan amid pressure on Beshir
Computer experts brace for Conficker worm | Technology |
RIM opens software store for BlackBerry | Technology |
RIM opens software store for BlackBerry
Quickplay to offer popular TV shows on BlackBerry | Technology |
Quickplay to offer popular TV shows on BlackBerry
Samsung unveils Mondi WiMax device for Clearwire | Technology |
ER draws last breath after 15 years | Entertainment |
Postal Service launching Simpsons stamps | Entertainment |
Study: Bangladesh hosts 6,000 rare dolphins
Chinese official calls for heightened security
Pakistan: Suspected US missile kills 12 militants
Disney doubles up on 3-D Toy Story | Entertainment |
Mumbai attacks lawyer stands firm
Khmer Rouge defendant seeks change of detention
Trio of actors ready for Clash of the Titans | Entertainment |
Defence seeks release of Khmer Rouge prison chief
Suspected U.S. drone fires missile in Pakistan
Embattled Thai PM offers talks with Thaksin
Postal Service launching "Simpsons" stamps
Strong earthquake hits Papua New Guinea coast
Taiwan's TMC to team up with Elpida of Japan
Top jobs go empty in deadly Chinese mining center
China to extend foreign bank investment periods
S.Korean won rises on recovery talk; GM cuts gains
Banks, auto issues send Seoul shares up 2.3 pct
ADB expands trade financing program to $1B
Postal Service launching "Simpsons" stamps
Trio of actors ready for "Clash of the Titans"
SCENARIOS-NZ central bank options on bond market ructions
Dialysis patients go cruising
S.Korea March CPI up 3.9 pct y/y, matches forecast
Disney doubles up on 3-D "Toy Story
Recession bites but pampered pooches relax
Atwood's latest study in human frailty
`Idol' judges distracted by Iraheta's funky outfit
2 more celebrities kicked off ABC's 'Dancing'
U.S. says to turn to U.N. if NKorea launches missile | International |
Kandahar attack kills 13: Afghan govt
Obama, Medvedev to reset ties with arms pact | International |
Iraq blames neighbors for water shortage
Palestinians urge U.S. to insist Israel honours deal
France and Germany 'demand regulation at G20'
'Suspected US strike kills up to 12 in Pakistan'
60 years on, NATO in crisis over Afghan war | International |
New round of Palestinian unity talks starts in Cairo
Monthly U.S. death toll in Iraq lowest since beginning of war | International |
Taliban attack Afghan council, 13 dead
Sudan's Bashir defies ICC warrant with Saudi trip | International |
Libya finds 100 bodies of drowned migrants | International |
Helicopter carrying 16 crashes into North Sea | International |
Analysis: Dems punt hard choices on Obama budget
General: Afghan-Pakistan insurgents get stronger
World must 'pick up the pace' on crisis: Obama
US to join UN rights body that Bush rejected
IBM to enter cloud computing software market | Technology |
G20 nations must focus on 'common ground': Obama
Nokia says thousands sign up to sell at Ovi store
Canadian hitman pleads guilty to 27 murders
Microsoft launches new servers for small companies
Dreaded 'conficker' worm set to infect PCs
Silicon Graphics files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Microsoft launches new servers for small companies | Technology |
Nokia says thousands sign up to sell at Ovi store | Technology |
Nokia says thousands sign up to sell at Ovi store
Obama accepts invitation to China
China vows safer quake zone schools within 3 years
Japan, SKorea agree to raise NKorea test at UN
Madonna says following rules in Malawi adoption | Entertainment |
17 die in militant attack on Afghan gov't building
Correction: China Google Music story
China says no cover-up in disease outbreak
China restoring France contacts after Tibet spat
China military still under Communist Party control
Sarkozy to meet Hu as France and China mend fences
India exports slide for fifth straight month
Sri Lanka says flood of people leave war zone
India's exports plunge 21.7 pct in February
Seoul court injunctions over FX options a concern-ISDA
Taiwan dollar firms on stocks, c.bank caps rise
Pakistan says meets IMF asset targets comfortably
Japan domestic auto sales hit 38-year-low
In trying times, trend is lower-budget TV shows
Chinese stocks hit 7-month high on recovery hopes
NBC a lot different from days when `ER' started
China manufacturing down again in March: index
Woo-hoo! The Simpsons to appear on postage stamps
Oz Minerals, China's Minmetals in new $1.2bn deal
Richard Chamberlain celebrates his 75th on stage
SKorea's March inflation rate slows to 3.9 pct
Strong 6.1 quake hits Indonesia: seismologists
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01