JAY LENO - LENO: LET THE WOOING BEGIN

Executives of Sony Pictures Television have let it be known that they are prepared to make a lucrative offer to Jay Leno in November, when he is permitted to enter negotiations regarding his future plans, the New York Times reported today (Wednesday). Leno has agreed to step down as host of the Tonight show and be replaced by Conan O'Brien in 2009. The Times said that Sony is prepared to make him an offer that would boost his salary above David Letterman's (NBC currently pays Leno $25 million annually; CBS pays Letterman $30 million), put his name on a new theater on Sony's lot in Culver City, and give him a financial interest in Sony Music performers who appear on his show. The newspaper said that ABC and Fox have also "discreetly" informed Leno that they, too, are prepared to make "financial overtures" to him in November.

27/02/2008