Nbc Accuses Cbs Of Publicity Grab

A publicity stunt.

That’s how a top NBC executive described CBS’ recent request turned down by the Peacock network - for video clips from David Letterman’s old NBC “Late Night” shows to be used on his current CBS “Late Show.”

CBS sought footage and still photos from Letterman’s NBC years to use in on-air promotion and during episodes of his “Late Show.” The network says it wanted to use the clips during a monthlong celebration of Letterman’s 15 years in late night, the past 3-1/2 of them on CBS.

“We will cooperate if the request is reasonable and rational,” John Agoglia, president of NBC Enterprises, said through a spokeswoman. “This request was designed to be turned down and used as publicity.”

An NBC spokeswoman said the trouble with CBS’ request is that the network planned on using the footage and photos every night during February, a sweeps month whose ratings are used by local stations to set advertising rates.