NBC, the top-rated broadcast television network, is seeking a partnership with a cable television network or a major studio as a hedge against declining viewership and escalating program costs.
While no final decisions have been made, NBC executives have acknowledged they are exploring several options aimed at improving the financial prospects of the network, which is owned by General Electric Co.
Last week, NBC confirmed that GE had talked with USA Networks Inc. Chairman Barry Diller about a possible merger.
The broadcast television network franchise has been shrinking for years, and TV executives say they believe they need to forge alliances with cable networks and/or studios as a means to get additional revenues flowing into the networks.
NBC faces a tough future of declining profits in the new TV season because it will not have NFL football or “Seinfeld.”
NBC already gets revenue from cable channels MSNBC and CNBC, but analysts say that declining audiences and higher costs will force all networks to seek other sources of income.
