[BC] NBC: Bye, bye, Burbank...

[Alan Kline]

 From Shoptalk...


*...you won't be hearing "/Live from beautiful downtown Burbank./"*

NBC to bid bye-bye to Burbank


(Los Angeles Times)
*3000 W. ALAMEDA AVE.*: Audience pours into the original studio, home of 
iconic programs "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and before that, "The 
Tonight Show with Johnny Carson."

*From Meg James and Matea Gold at the Los Angeles Times
<http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/business/la-fi-nbc11oct11,0,5468513.story?coll=la-home-center>: 

*

NBC Universal is dropping the curtain on "beautiful downtown Burbank."

The media company, which made the town of tract houses the butt of 
endless jokes, but also brought it prominence as the base of "The 
Tonight Show," is decamping to nearby Universal Studios.

The media company plans to announce today that it will sell much of the 
34 acres it owns in Burbank, including the legendary NBC Studios at 3000 
W. Alameda Ave.

The studio has a rich history, as home to such iconic programs as "The 
Tonight Show," first with Johnny Carson and now with Jay Leno, as well 
as "Hollywood Squares," "To Tell the Truth" and "Rowan & Martin's 
Laugh-In." Elvis Presley taped his 1968 Christmas special there, and Tom 
Brokaw started his NBC career at KNBC-TV Channel 4, which shares the 
premises.

" 'The Tonight Show' put us on the map" said Burbank Mayor Marsha Ramos.
"Without that line from Johnny Carson, about 'beautiful downtown 
Burbank,' most people wouldn't even know that we exist. When 'The 
Tonight Show' leaves, there will be a portion of our heart that will be 
empty."

NBC Universal said it was in negotiations with a buyer, whom it declined 
to name.

The company intends to relocate the network and local news operations 
from Burbank to a new headquarters in a massive complex planned a couple 
of miles away on Lankershim Boulevard, across the street from Universal 
Studios.

A Red Line subway station and a sprawling parking lot now occupy the 
proposed site next to the 101 Freeway. The subway stop will remain and 
be part of the new complex.

The new "green" facility, with its high-definition news headquarters, is
scheduled to house NBC News' West Coast operations and the local news 
staffs of KNBC and Spanish-language Telemundo KVEA-TV Channel 52. NBC's 
syndicated entertainment show "Access Hollywood" would also be located 
there.

NBC Universal expects to move into the new center in 2011. The sale of 
the Burbank property was necessary in part to pay for the elaborate new 
facility.

The project is not NBC Universal's only ambitious expansion at Universal
Studios. It is separately seeking approval for a $3-billion development 
plan for Universal City that would add 2,900 homes to the area, as well 
as new production facilities and retail space. The project, which must 
get county and city approval, could take several years to get off the 
ground.

NBC Universal also confirmed Wednesday that "The Tonight Show" would 
remain in Los Angeles when Conan O'Brien, who now shoots his "Late 
Night" show in New York, takes over from Leno in 2009. With the Burbank 
facility on the block, the network is expanding and upgrading Studio 
One, a soundstage on the Universal Studios lot that was built in 1961 
for "The Jack Benny Program." The new home for the late-night program 
has had other memorable productions, including "Jurassic Park III" and 
"The Incredible Hulk," as well as the 1980s television show "Knight Rider."

NBC Universal three years ago made the controversial decision to give 
O'Brien the illustrious 11:35 p.m. time slot. That move in effect set a 
retirement date on "The Tonight Show" for Leno, who continues to be one 
of the network's most popular and bankable stars.

"Everybody likes to have visible shows like 'The Tonight Show With Jay 
Leno.' They are a big part of who we are," said Mary J. Alvord, 
Burbank's city manager. "Jay has been more than a host -- he's been an 
accessible member of our community. It's a sad day for Burbank."

(more 
<http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/business/la-fi-nbc11oct11,0,5468513.story?coll=la-home-center>)