• by Wendy Davis , Staff Writer @wendyndavis, October 19, 2006

NBC Universal said this morning it plans to overhaul operations, paring back on scripted dramas and comedies, while also shifting resources to the digital.

The network will no longer create scripted shows to air at 8 p.m. Instead, it apparently will rely more on far-less-expensive reality/game shows to fill the prime-time hour from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

At the same time, NBC Universal plans to spend $150 million in the next two years on new digital initiatives, according to The Wall Street Journal. Total revenue from the Web, estimated at $400 million this year, is on track to surpass $1 billion by 2009, according to the Journal.

But consider, NBC's Web efforts are intertwined with its TV shows. Currently, the network posts promotional clips online, creates short Webisodes and offers blogs related to the programs. If the network cuts back on scripted programming, what, exactly, will it distribute online? Are fans going to download "Deal or No Deal?"

Yes, NBC still has many shows, including scripted programs, that it can promote online. But the network should keep in mind that fans don't appear all that interested in going online to read about or view TV reality shows. This morning, Lycos put out a list of the 10 most searched prime-time TV shows for the week ending Oct. 14. Eight were scripted; the only non-fictional shows to crack the top 10 were "Dancing with the Stars" and "Survivor."