Chapter 17, Mixing NBC with Light Bulbs Summary and Analysis

The challenge of acquiring RCA, in 1985, is how to keep NBC going and profitable. Although its entertainment unit is strong, it becomes clear that with the onset of cable, NBC is lagging and stuck in the past. People, again, become important in the overall success. NBC President Grant Tinker leaves, assuring Jack that with his leadership team in place, NBC will stay on top. Jack retains the young president of entertainment, but hires his own CEO, Bob Wright.

Costs must be cut in the news sector. Recommended by Tom Brokaw, Mike Gartner becomes the NBC News president. The news section recovers its ratings by the 1990s with talent and successes such as Meet the Press (Tim Russert), Today (Katie Couric, Matt Lauer) and Dateline (Jane Pauley, Stone Phillips).

The only cable...