With NBC having taken it on the chin for a while in terms of television ratings, the network is newly poised to take some viewership back according to the Wall Street Journal (subscription required).

NBC, which is owned by global behemoth General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), is far removed from the leader of the ratings race compared to where it was when smashes "Seinfeld" and "Friends" were on the air. But it may have a chance this fall with newer shows like "30 Rock" and others. In "30 Rock" (a reference to 30 Rockefeller where NBC Studios is located), an appliance manager takes control of the NBC network in an apparent effort by the network to make fun of itself.With GE's earnings suffering due to the lowly performance of the NBC unit, new shows like "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" and "Heroes" may give the network a partial (or whole) boost it needs.

Sanyo to Eliminate Household Appliance Division

(International Business Times) - Electronics maker Sanyo Electronic Co. will consolidate its production of household appliances into its commercial appliance production and dismantle its household appliance division, the maker said on Thursday.