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Whoops: Conan's Lawyers Never Specified Time Slot
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 12, 2010
Modified Jan 12, 2010
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 12, 2010
Modified Jan 12, 2010
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When Conan O'Brien took on hosting duties of The Tonight Show, he had a team of lawyers negotiating his terms. Unfortunately, they neglected to specify a time slot, meaning NBC could put Conan on at whatever time they wanted, as long as he was still hosting The Tonight Show.
According to Business Insider this means Conan can't switch to another network without "voiding his contract and passing on the tens of millions of dollars he would otherwise be owed." If he sticks it out for two more years at NBC, he can go to whatever network he wants, $45 million richer.
NBC is currently trying to hold on to all of their late night talent — Leno, Conan and Fallon — but Ben Grossman of Broadcasting and Cable trade publication told CNN, "That's very expensive and a very questionable strategy."
Meanwhile, Jay Leno addressed the shuffle on his show last night, saying, "Supposedly we're moving to 11:30. Even this is not for sure. My people are upset. Conan's people are upset. Hey, NBC said it wanted drama at 10:00 — now they've got it! Everyone's mad." Conan used his monologue to burn the network, however, addressing his audience with quips like: "Good evening, everybody. I'm Conan O'Brien, the new host of Last Call with Carson Daly" and "NBC announced they plan to lose $200 million on the Winter Olympics next month. Folks, is it just me, or is that story hilarious?"
Tagged
conan o'brien
contract
jay leno
late night
lawyers
nbc
television
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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