ABC, Kimmel extend deal
Latenight host inks through 2010
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Pact keeps Kimmel at the Alphabet one year past NBC's scheduled hand-off from Jay Leno to Conan O'Brien in 2009, positioning ABC to capitalize on the upheaval when Leno retires. Alphabet reps declined comment.
CBS followed a similar strategy when it reupped with David Letterman in a deal that ends in 2010.
Some have speculated that Leno, as the ratings leader, would switch networks, or that NBC would pull out of the deal, triggering a payout to O'Brien.
According to insiders, the deal includes neither a guarantee that Kimmel will eventually get the coveted 11:35 p.m. slot nor a provision for primetime specials.
Pact comes a week after "Jimmy Kimmel Live" attracted its largest aud ever -- 2.04 million viewers. Season to date, "Kimmel" is up 12% vs. last year in total viewers and up 17% in adults 18-49 -- making it the only latenight talker to post gains in that demo.
"Jimmy Kimmel Live" debuted on Jan. 26, 2003. Kimmel and Jill Leiderman exec produce.
