• Broadcasting & Cable, Tuesday, April 28, 2009 9:32 AM

NBC says Jay Leno is its top marketing focus for 2009. Adam Stotsky, NBC marketing exec, hints that Leno will be treated as an accompaniment to the network's news programming. "You can start your day getting informed on topical issues with "Today," get deeper insight with "Nightly News" and Brian Williams, and then laugh about the news at 10 with Leno," he says.

Leno's ability to break news--from Arnold Schwarzenegger announcing his candidacy for governor of California back in 2003, to President Obama's recent appearance to discuss the AIG bonus scandal--is being viewed seriously by rival cable news networks and by local stations with 10 p.m. newscasts.

"Whether or not we'll source audience away from 10 p.m. news remains to be seen," Stotsky says. "One of the hallmarks of his comedy is his ability to talk about the issues of the day in a way that's entertaining."

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