NBC boss insults Writers Guild

Earlier today, Jonathan Berr noted that the Golden Globes broadcast on General Electric Company (NYSE: GE)'s NBC Network had been canceled. Yes, it's a shame we at home won't be able to comment on the fashions and root for our favorites. Yes, it's a shame for the struggling Peacock network (still often in fourth place) to miss out on the ratings and ad revenue easily procured from a red-carpet event. NBC shells out $5-6 million a year for the broadcast rights and can count on $15-20 million in ad revenue as a result. But yes, it's a testament to the power held by the Writers Guild of America.

Unfortunately, not everyone is giving the Guild its due respect. NBC Entertainment co-chief Ben Silverman aired his grievances about the Golden Globes debacle in a very public forum, speaking with EI Entertainment News anchor Ryan Seacrest. According to the cable network's website, Silverman said "It feels unfair" that United Artists and David Letterman's Worldwide Pants have brokered deals with writers, but Dick Clark Productions (the Globes' producer) is not being given the same option.

SIlverman opined that: "Sadly, it feels like the nerdiest, ugliest, meanest kids in the high school are trying to cancel the prom. But NBC wants to try to keep that prom alive."

Wow. Is it me, or did a top-ranking NBC executive call the Writers Guild ugly, mean nerds? The man's company is out a cool 10 or so million, but the decision has now been made and should be dealt with. Be careful, Ben, or you're going to get a prom like the one Carrie White attended.

Beth Gaston Moon is an analyst at Schaeffer's Investment Research.