nbc lags despite signs of life.(Special Report: Upfront Preview)(National Broadcasting Company Inc.)

TelevisionWeek, May, 2007 by Hibberd, James

Byline: James Hibberd By some measures NBC has done everything right in the past year. The network readily embraced online content integration with its NBC 360 plan. It launched the top-rated new drama ("Heroes'') and boosted Sunday nights last fall with NFL football. NBC revived its Thursday night comedy block with a lineup that some critics say is its funniest ever.

Unfortunately, none of those measures have changed the bottom line: NBC is still in fourth place-and down 6 percent from last year. "Boy, they have a real challenge,'' said Bill Carroll, VP and director of programming at Katz Television Group. "They were not able, with the exception of `Heroes,' to make a significant breakthrough this year.'' This season NBC also launched "30 Rock,''...

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