The TV Biz is buzzing with word that Fox wants a piece of the late night moola and is hoping to steal Conan O'Brien from NBC. And if they can't get Conan, they'll settle for either Jon Stewart or Bill Maher. As it happens, all three are under contracts soon to run out.
What's going on? The fact that this story is out is probably an indicator that one of those guys wants to put some pressure on his current employer. The goal is not to move, but to get a much better deal to stay put…and they all probably will. Of the three, Maher is the most likely to leave his current situation, but it's not very likely and it's not because of any Fox offer, if indeed there would even be one. I'm not sure this whole story isn't a media exaggeration and that the only true part is that Fox has had a few conversations with Mr. O'Brien's people. My guess is that, when the dust settles, all three hosts will be right where they are…but Stewart and Maher will be a little richer and O'Brien will be a lot richer. (He deserves it, too. His show is terrific…)