• CNNMoney.com, Monday, April 16, 2007 10:15 AM

Some investors are getting restless over how long it is taking NBC Universal to get back on track, as the broadcast network has fallen to fourth place among total viewers after a strong start last fall. Revenue at NBC Universal, which encompasses the flagship net, along with Universal Studios, USA, Bravo and SCI FI, were off 22% in the first quarter -- or 8% if the impact of the 2006 Winter Olympics is factored out.

That's contrary to what the CEO of parent company General Electric was saying in January when he said revenues should be "basically flat" in the first quarter, not including the Olympics. It's going to be crucial to see whether NBC is able to get significant ad price increases this spring, once it unveils its TV schedule for the fall at next month's upfront presentation.

While it has made some progress in prime time, thanks to "Heroes" and Sunday NFL broadcasts, NBC needs to build those out. Without a significant boost to ratings and revenue, GE is likely to face more pressure from some shareholders to sell NBC.

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