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In a speech studded with references to Web 2.0, long tail economics and media critic Marshall McLuhan, NBC President Jeff Zucker said today that Google has a compelling business model, but that it doesn’t compare to the business models of the big media companies.
“Google was built on the power of math and algorithms. NBC is built on brilliant programming,” said Zucker, speaking before a crowded room at the Mixx advertising conference in New York. “Both are compelling models, but I don’t think Google’s model is as powerful as Viacom [and other media companies] as the market would have you believe.”
During his speech, Zucker told the audience repeatedly that the high production values and big budgets of television networks will continue to engage consumers. Zucker acknowledged the power of the Internet and said NBC is using online media, such as iTunes, NBC 24/7 and cell phone programming, to deliver its content.
“It’s not what it’s on,” Zucker said, referring to the multiple platforms on which NBC distributes its content, “it’s what’s on it. The program, not the platform.”