The producers had demanded a record bonus to renew the program, but they received no bonus, an NBC spokeswoman said.

Asked to respond to questions about the association and its awards, an NBC spokeswoman declined to comment.

An NBC spokeswoman, Rebecca Marks, said the network had not been served with the suit.

An NBC spokeswoman said she anticipated that 92 million viewers would have watched at least part of the three-hour "Dateline" special.

An NBC spokeswoman in New York said today that the network had a policy of not commenting on matters under litigation.

"People want to see him on television and they're excited that he's coming back," said Shirley Powell, an NBC spokeswoman.

An NBC spokeswoman said both shows were candidates for midseason.

Ms. O'Connor did not wish to be interviewed, an NBC spokeswoman said.

Barbara Levin, an NBC spokeswoman, said the extra half hour this time would be used for the president's address on Monday.

An NBC spokeswoman said that claims of sexual discrimination were "without merit".