CBS gives NBC black eye
Zucker's 'sucked' comments used in press release
Sending out a press release touting the Eye's fall performance, CBS couldn't help but take a dig at NBC Entertainment president Jeff Zucker and the Peacock, without mentioning either by name.
"Contrary to assertions by a competing television executive that the quality of some network programming 'just sucked,' CBS' new and returning series are striking a ratings chord with viewers," the release began.
Zucker's comment
CBS is alluding to Zucker's comment at last week's Intl. Radio & Television Society Foundation breakfast in New York, where he blamed this fall's ratings declines on lousy new shows.
"Frankly, quite a few of the new programs weren't good," Zucker told the crowd. "Some just sucked."
An Eye spokesman called the release an "unconventional way to call attention to the fact that CBS is having a great season and an outstanding sweep. It's all in good fun."
Taking shot at Peacock
But it was also an unusually snarky swipe at the Peacock's expense: "Despite CBS' success, it is understandable that there is some concern in the broadcasting ranks. One network has suffered declines of 12% in viewers, 12% in adult 18-49 and 11% in adults 25-54 while quickly canceling new series and shuffling its schedule."
The rhetoric has escalated from all sides as of late, as competition continues to increase and a definite decline in broadcast network viewers this season -- Nielsen's fault or otherwise -- keeps everyone on edge.
In this case, CBS apparently took serious offense at the "just sucked" comment. (The network gave a tongue-in-cheek TV-14-L rating to its release, lest any easily offended report take issue with the email's headline: "CBS: Our Programs Don't Suck").
NBC had no comment on the diss.
