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‘SNL50’: How the Celebration of a Golden TV Milestone Became a Test for NBCUniversal
How the 'SNL50' campaign became a test for the new-model NBCUniversal. A look at behind-the-scenes photos and data from the golden TV milestone.
The Feb. 14 “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert,” held at Radio City Music Hall, and Feb. 16 “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” are pitch-perfect examples of the kind of distinctive live events that NBCU is counting on to deliver lucrative mass audiences amid the ever-increasing fragmentation of TV viewership. Spearheaded by “SNL” creator-producer Lorne Michaels, the programming and ballyhoo around SNL50 events offered a chance for NBCU to demonstrate that it can marshal NBC broadcast, Peacock streaming and a handful of digital platforms to deliver a big live turnout. ** Guests in the audience for the Feb. 16 special included Bobby Flay, Catherine Oxenberg, Christine Baranksi, Edie Falco, Elliott Gould, Hanson, Meg Ryan, Sandra Oh, Sean Evans, Steve Guttenberg, Susan Lucci, Teri Hatcher, Theo Vonn and Ziwe.
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