I read somewhere a critic speculating why Letterman would be remembered in TV history much longer than Leno. He said, “Leno is a comedian performing on television. Letterman is a broadcaster.” And, the way he said “broadcaster” clearly displayed the critic’s view that it was a position of honor.

Just as in many industries, the cold suits are ruining it for everyone. Is radio more profitable because of Clear Channel’s efficiencies? Doubt it. Radio has never been in worse shape. They’ve eliminated their very advantage — the local broadcaster.

Is NBC better because it saved money on Leno? Absolutely not. Yet — like you — I KNOW this would have never EVER happened under a Tinker, Tartikoff, or Silverman. It gets back to the point I was making in an earlier post — these were executives with great skill…who started from the heart.

Thanks for keeping our focus in the right place, Mike…