What’s the deal with Conan O’Brien publicly airing his grievances against NBC?
NBC is the company that handed him the opportunity to reach millions of viewers, who he conned into supporting him when the bosses wanted to push his show back a little later.
Conan O’Brien is a self-involved hooligan for the following reasons:
1. $32,000,000 — That’s what NBC had to pay to fire him. Compare this to your average Wall Street bonus.
2. CoCo should know future employers will require a gag clause to forego NBC’s fate.
3. When will it dawn on him NBC gave him a hefty reason to get out of network TV?
I’m with CoCo
All previous statements aside, the Commando is a big-time fan of Conan. He’s out there, doesn’t produce comedy that’s watered down or mainstream. And now he’s got the opportunity to make the leap from NBC showman to online comedy sensation, if he has the guys.
The reason has to do with his contract settlement.
Conan only collects the $32,000,000 so long as he stays off the air. This is something most people don’t get. Once he goes to work for FOX, or any other network, that network will begin paying him and NBC is off the hook (from what I hear about the contract process).
Here’s why this matters for Conan — and all you social media commandos:
Audience.
Conan could spend a very, very small portion of his new fortune to build a small studio (in his own home if he’s so inclined) and broadcast over the web. His audience is built-in from the network days and he can micro-target the niche he’s always desired, the people who get his comedy and are willing to support him directly.
He’d gain even more fame by becoming the first late night comedian to transition to a web only format and make it work. Hell, in a matter of months Howard Stern may make the same decision to go solo, especially since he’s worth over $100,000,000. You can start your own web network too!
The bottom line is businesses pay for audiences. NBC paid Conan handsomely to attract millions of viewers. Guys like Chris Brogan — Internet famous people, not network profile people — make a pretty penny speaking and consulting because businesses want to tap into their audience of listeners.
You can build an audience — just like me — by owning a piece of online property like a blog, cross-promoted using social networks and web video channels (Ustream is my favorite). You and CoCo are the next online All-Stars.