Golden Globes ratings increase

NBC's Golden Globes broadcast shined a little brighter in the ratings this year, according to Nielsen numbers released Monday.

"The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards" had 14 percent more viewers than in 2009. The three-hour shindig won its time slot and drew 16.9 million viewers, beating an audience of 14.9 million viewers in 2009.

Originating from Los Angeles at 5 p.m. local time, the event was aired live by NBC in all time zones rather than delayed for prime-time broadcast in the West.

Even with the audience upswing, viewership remained far below the biggest year for the show. In 2004, 26.8 million viewers tuned in.

NBC pushed show on him, Leno says

Jay Leno turned serious on his show to discuss the late-night chaos at NBC, telling viewers that he'd been doubtful about launching a prime-time show but was prevented by NBC from going to another network instead.

Leno, in explaining events from his standpoint, also said Monday that he had told NBC he'd return to the "Tonight" slot only after Conan O'Brien rejected the network's plan to put both men on in late night.

When NBC told him they wanted to end his new show, Leno told viewers Monday, he asked to be released from his contract.

"'No, you're still a valuable asset to this company,'" he said the network told him. His reply: "How valuable can I be? You fired me twice."

Leno also said his attitude toward his colleague is unchanged.

"Through all of this, Conan O'Brien has been a gentleman. He's a good guy, I have no animosity toward him. This is all business," Leno said. "You know, folks, if you don't get the ratings, they take you off the air."

Today's birthdays

Actress Jean Stapleton is 87. Former PBS newsman Robert MacNeil is 79. Country singer Dolly Parton is 64. TV chef Paula Deen is 63. Actor Desi Arnaz Jr. is 57. Actress Katey Sagal is 53. Actor Shawn Wayans is 39. Actress Drea de Matteo is 38. Actress Jodie Sweetin is 28. Olympic gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson is 18.

Source: The Associated Press