Extent of NBC Affiliate Losses Due to Leno Show Calculated at Tens of Millions AP

A research firm calculated the financial losses among NBC’s affiliates as a result of dropping news ratings caused by a low “Jay Leno Show” lead-in, and said the damage could have been collectively $22 million, the Associated Press reports.

Harmelin Media said local NBC stations had an average 25 percent drop in the 25- to 54-year-old late news audience in November compared to the year earlier. Over three months, the firm estimated, that would have cost them about $22 million.

--Elizabeth Jensen