Gaspin Says NBC is Managing for Ratings Not Margins

In a recent interview with The Wrap new NBCU Entertainment Chairman Jeff Gaspin actually had to clarify that NBC is not "managing for margins", a phrase put forward by his predecessor Ben Silverman, and is in fact trying "to put the best possible shows we can on the air". Basically, he said that getting higher ratings is more important than keeping costs low. Washington Post reporter Lisa de Moraes put it best when she explained NBC's philosophy under Silverman's reign: "The idea is that a network can make a tidy profit on shows that aren't winning the ratings in their time slots--may not even be finishing second or third--so long as the show is really, really cheap to produce". This wonderful philosophy *sarcasm* has brought us The Jay Leno Show...and we've all seen how well that show has worked out so far.

If Gaspin actually commits to managing for ratings and follows through with his promise to produce the "best possible shows" then there is a real chance that he could start to turn the Peacock network around and bring back viewers. He just needs to start by getting rid of The Jay Leno Show as soon as possible.

BONUS- Here is a great article from tvbythenumbers.com that looks at whether or not Gaspin's statements are even true or just warding off bad press:

Is NBC "Managing for Margins"?