Fallon on top of NBC's 'short list'

San Diego Union Tribune - United States - NBC has targeted Jimmy Fallon to replace Conan O'Brien in 2009, according to people familiar with the talks.

Broadcasting & Cable reports that Fallon is NBC's favorite to take over from O'Brien, who hosts “Late Night With Conan O'Brien” after “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.”

NBC late-night chief Rick Ludwin says he doesn't expect to make an announcement until sometime after the first of the year, but he confirmed that Fallon is on the top of the network's list.

“I think he'd be terrific, and he is at the top of our short list,” Ludwin says.

As reported by B&C in February, Fallon signed a developmental deal with NBC earlier this year, a deal that at the time included the possibility of his replacing O'Brien, who is scheduled to take over Leno's chair in 2009.