Studio, Networks Courting Jay Leno?
LOS ANGELES — Two networks and at least one TV studio have made it clear they’d be interested in Jay Leno when Conan O’Brien takes over the “Tonight” show next year.
The New York Times reported that Sony Pictures Television wants to make Leno the highest-paid late-night host with a salary of $40 million a year and would give him ownership of his show as well as the show that would come on after him.
ABC and Fox reportedly have also expressed interest.
It’s all being done discreetly because no one can legally negotiate with Leno until November of next year.
The Times said that NBC Universal has a plan of its own to keep Leno in some capacity.