Boston Station Gives Jay Leno the Shaft

April 3) -- The people of Boston love many things. The Red Sox, yelling at Yankees fans, chowder, the Charles River. Jay Leno, however, doesn't seem to be on their list of likes.
In a bold move, local NBC affiliate WHDH in Boston has decided to air local news instead of Jay Leno's new 10 p.m. talk show when it begins in September. In retaliation, NBC has threatened to strip WHDH of its affiliation with the Peacock network. Furthermore, NBC TV Network president John Eck called WHDH's move a "flagrant violation" of its contract with the network.

"If they persist, we will strip WHDH of its NBC affiliation. We have a number of other strong options in the Boston market, including using our existing broadcast license to launch an NBC owned and operated station," Eck said.
Leno, who for years manned 'The Tonight Show' until giving up his throne to Conan O'Brien, surprised many by quickly snagging a new nighttime TV gig.

WHDH's owner Ed Ansin told the Boston Globe he didn't think Leno's show would be successful, and that his station could do better financially by sticking with their 10 p.m. newscast. By doing so, they would continue competing with the local Fox newscast at the same time.