['97ventureowner]

It's kind of been in the works for a few years now. having Conan replace Leno when Leno retires in 2009. I think NBC is trying to play it safe with having a more well known figure such as Conan with name recognition go against Letterman , than someone less known in the field. It's kind of like a promotion for Conan who has played "second fiddle" to Leno for 15 years. ( Like having the Vice President take over when the President retires.) And besides Conan's been around for a long time and has an established audience and others who are familiar with his show.
Now there is word that Leno isn't ready to retire as first thought in 2009. Other networks are courting him as well as his current employer NBC. I read a story in our local paper a couple of months back that said NBC was willing to give Leno his own production company similar to the setup Letterman now has (Worldwide Pants) as this can net Leno more money and control over his content. Other reports say that some networks are even willing to give Leno his own primetime show on earlier in the evening. He has the chance to make a lot of money with whatever h chooses when he leaves the Tonight Show.