Byron Allen got his first big break at age 18 in 1979 as a standup comedian on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” More than 45 years later, Allen is now a media mogul: But he’s still got his eyes on a late night prize.

Interviewed on stage Wednesday during New York’s Advertising Week event, Allen said he’s pitching hard to land the 11:35 p.m. time slot on CBS next year after “ The Late Show With Stephen Colbert ” ends its run. (In July, CBS announced it would cancel “The Late Show” after this current season, calling it a “financial decision.”)

“If they’re looking for a show, my hand is already up,” he told moderator Bill Carter. “50 years, I’ve been waiting for this moment. Definitely, I’m going for it.”

Allen’s “ Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen” currently airs on CBS a

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