NBC's Zucker looks at canceling annual ad bonanza

For the year, the first with Zucker in the top job, NBC Universal posted record operating profit of $3.5 billion, up 6 percent from 2006.

Zucker said he still expects operating profit to rise 10 percent in 2008, when NBC is broadcasting the Olympics and the media company should benefit from political advertising.

The big challenge could be the U.S. economy. A troubled housing market, high oil prices and a potential recession have created concerns that advertisers will reduce spending as part of overall budget cuts.

So far, Zucker said, advertisers have yet to cut back on spending with the media company.

"We haven't seen any signs of a slowdown yet, but obviously it's one of the things we all have to be conscious of and manage for. We're watching very closely."

Reuters/Nielsen