'Nightline' at risk if Leno jumps to ABC

After years of lagging behind dueling late-night talk shows, the ABC news program is winning attention with a series of high-profile scoops and closing the viewer gap against "Late Show With David Letterman."

But instead of celebrating, "Nightline" staffers are anxious. Six years ago, Walt Disney Co. tried to lure Letterman to its ABC network, a move that backfired and frayed relations with the news division. Now, the company seems interested in courting Letterman's nemesis -- NBC's Jay Leno.

If Leno landed at ABC, it would probably spell the end of the nearly 29-year-old program, which launched in 1979 as a late-night report called "The Iran Crisis -- America Held Hostage" during the occupation of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

"It would be hard for ABC not to make a play for Leno," said Greg Kahn, senior vice president of the ad-buying firm Optimedia. "He is still at the top of his game, and the thinking is that a lot of ad dollars would follow him to another network."

The highly anticipated game of musical chairs begins next year. In May, after 17 years, Leno will step down from "The Tonight Show" so that NBC can install Conan O'Brien as the new host. But, at 58, Leno isn't ready to retire, and most TV executives believe he will seek a new berth. Rival networks ABC and Fox are already mulling over the prospect of recruiting Leno, whose show earns about $50 million a year in profit for NBC.

Maybe not for long, however. Although the ratings gap between "Nightline" and the late-night talk shows has narrowed, it's because the audience for Leno and Letterman has slipped while the news program's viewership has held steady. "Nightline" also has a slightly younger audience, many members of which record the show for later viewing. ABC executives said that has allowed the network to boost what it charges advertisers.

"Nightline" offers a competitive alternative to the entertainment shows," said Rino Scanzoni, chief investment officer of Group M North America, a bloc of major ad-buying agencies. " 'Nightline' has their own niche."

It's been nearly three years since Ted Koppel signed off "Nightline" after 25 years at the helm. Critics were pessimistic about the changes ABC News introduced: three anchors, Martin Bashir, Cynthia McFadden and Terry Moran; a more flashy look; and largely relocating the show to New York from Washington.