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By Richard Huff -- Daily News (New York) -- February 8, 2002 -- Section: TELEVISION; Pg. 132 Conan O'Brien is on the verge of a huge payday to stay at NBC as the host of "Late Night." NBC sources confirmed yesterday that the network and O'Brien's representatives were in the final stages of negotiating a four-year deal that could be worth $8.5 million a year. If that occurs, O'Brien would become the highest-paid host of an after-midnight show ever, according to the trade paper Variety. "Late Night" airs from 12:35-1:35 a.m. O'Brien's fortunes have certainly changed since 1993, when the then unknown comedy writer took over "Late Night" after David Letterman left to start his "Late Show" at CBS. Back then, NBC was unsure of O'Brien's future: The network only gave him 13-week contracts as a way to avoid paying him long-term if the show failed. The new contract would double O'Brien's salary and would likely include other incentives, perhaps series commitments. O'Brien's Conaco Productions already has a show in development at NBC earmarked for next fall. An NBC spokeswoman had no comment about the deal. NBC has about a month remaining in its negotiating period with O'Brien, according to Variety. O'Brien was tapped for the job by "Saturday Night Live" executive producer Lorne Michaels. O'Brien, at the time a writer for "The Simpsons," was unknown to viewers. Critics were fairly hard early on, but his quirky, self-deprecating style of humor rapidly caught on with the young adult viewers advertisers crave. Letterman has begun renewal talks with CBS, although his pact doesn't expire until August. GRAPHIC: $8.5M A YEAR? "Late Night's" O'Brien is working on a deal. |