Team Coco fans won't have to wait much longer for their Conan O'Brien fix.
Time Warner's
General Electric's
TBS is an intriguing choice. News Corp.'s
O'Brien's move reminds me of Howard Stern's decision to leave terrestrial radio for Sirius XM four years ago. The money was right. The content-restrictive nooses loosened a bit. The premium audience was smaller, but more appealing to sponsors.
Stern's deal with Sirius was a win-win. The satellite-radio operator became relevant, and Stern got both the freedom and compensation that he wanted.
If O'Brien's November arrival is well-received, TBS may enjoy a boost throughout its entire slate of programming, and command higher fees from the cable providers who carry it. The new show might even eat into ratings at NBC, CBS
Will O'Brien's late-night void make his show more or less relevant in seven months? Share your thoughts in the comments box below.