"Let's assume Letterman retires in 2010"

I thought your column this morning was very good. I wonder if you forgot
one final scenario. Let's assume Letterman decides to retire in 2010 when
his contract expires. Let's assume Moonves decides Jon Stewart is too
Liberal for Middle America, or gets spooked by the low ratings for
Stewart's two Oscar hosting gigs, or Stewart decides he doesn't want the
job. Then let's assume Moonves decides Ferguson won't play at 11:30...Why
wouldn't Moonves make a run at Leno? Leno could go another 10 years, he
has proven he can win at 11:30. I would assume Leno would take it for a
variety of reasons. (Replacing Letterman and sticking it to NBC come to
mind.) Considering CBS' problems everwhere else, they could use a winner
right now. And I believe Leno's non-compete ends in 2010, does it not?

Thomas Denucci

I'm sorry, but you lost me at "Let's assume Letterman decides
to retire in 2010." I think that scenario is now highly unlikely.
He'd do it for health reasons but I doubt any other reason. Regis is
the role model here. Ferguson will not move up, you are correct
there. In which case CBS will go after Stewart. Oscar ratings are
impacted by a lot of things that are usually out of the hands of the
host. Stewart would be the guy. He's a generation younger and way
hipper than Leno. The silent majority used to tune in and watch Jack
Paar, so I wouldn't worry too much about the 28 percent (latest
presidential approval rating) being ticked off by Stewart. But as I
say, I used to see Dave retiring -- I don't now. --AB