Today Show

[NowBergen 679]

17 minutes ago, TVNewsLover said:

Anderson would have no problem handling lighter fare. He has filled in numerous times on Live with Kelly and Mark/Ryan, and he also hosts CNN New Year’s Eve coverage with Andy Cohen. If you’ve seen either of these programs, most or all of these programs tend to be lighter fair. 

 

Remember, he was never an option for all the attempts CNN made for a morning show.  

 

NBC first step is what do they want at 7 and 10.  Stability vs. shake up.  That will drive decision making.  Because of the whole Matt Lauer mess, stability was key and why they expanded Hoda's role.  I doubt one person will be moved to both hours.  NBC also has a strong bench, and that helps.   

[TVNewsJunkie15 66]

24 minutes ago, MediaZone4K said:

Al is an institution like Willard Scott. I hope he stays forever. 

 

It seems like appears both Savannah and Tom Llamas are being groomed for the role. 

Me too. He looks pretty healthy (more than ever)  and could be there for a long time. 

 

I remember watching the show as early as the spring of 2010 and thinking that they were (or seemed to be) grooming Savannah for a future role. By the time Meredith announced her departure in 2011, I think it was pretty clear she was the next in line after Ann, even though Natalie Morales had been there since 2005 and in an official role since 2006 and had been the primary fill-in for Ann and for Meredith usually when Ann was not there  (and Amy Robach on weekends TODAY  being another fill in on the weekday show from around 2007) it seemed like they were putting their money on Savannah as the future as early as late 2010.   They gave Ann the job simply because they felt they had to, as she had been a loyal employee for 14 years as the news anchor and had filled in countless times and so had earned her dues, being the main fill for Katie and Meredith also, how it may have looked if they passed Ann over again and to keep Ann happy for the moment anyway.   

 

[MorningNews 1437]

As we discuss the big free agent talent out there it’s probably wise to consider the state of broadcast media right now. I’d like an outside splashy hire but networks likely aren’t paying that kind of money on a roll of dice hire like they used to especially when there’s proven talent already in the building. I guess I also just don’t see an appetite being there for personalities who are not currently working because of ratings woes.

 

Meredith was a moderator on the #1 daytime talk show when NBC snagged her. Norah was a prominent correspondent of the most watched network when CBS snagged her. Soledad O’Brien was weekend host of the most watched morning show when CNN took her. Just feels like those type of hires are of the past. Craig, Lauren, Peter Alexander, etc are all more than capable as any of the names mentioned and are already on the payroll.

Edited September 30, 2024 by MorningNews

[24994J 5560]

And don't forget that hiring capable lesser-knowns has typically been Today's method. Whether it's dipping into the local pool like Pauley, Brokaw or Lauer, or building up correspondents like Couric or Guthrie, only rarely have they made splash hires like Meredith.

[MediaZone4K 2161]

33 minutes ago, TVNewsJunkie15 said:

Me too. He looks pretty healthy (more than ever)  and could be there for a long time. 

 

I remember watching the show as early as the spring of 2010 and thinking that they were (or seemed to be) grooming Savannah for a future role. By the time Meredith announced her departure in 2011, I think it was pretty clear she was the next in line after Ann, even though Natalie Morales had been there since 2005 and in an official role since 2006 and had been the primary fill-in for Ann and for Meredith usually when Ann was not there  (and Amy Robach on weekends TODAY  being another fill in on the weekday show from around 2007) it seemed like they were putting their money on Savannah as the future as early as late 2010.   They gave Ann the job simply because they felt they had to, as she had been a loyal employee for 14 years as the news anchor and had filled in countless times and so had earned her dues, being the main fill for Katie and Meredith also, how it may have looked if they passed Ann over again and to keep Ann happy for the moment anyway.   

 

I can't believe that debacle was 12 years ago already! It was odd that they didn't choose Natalie after Ann.

 

I love Ann, but she is more so suited for serious news. I enjoyed seeing her fill on on Nightly News in her later years. A lot of the light hosting duties, and her chemistry with Matt, didn't flow as easy as Katie and Meredith. Nonetheless she was better than Savannah and did not deserve what happened to her.

 

Moreover, how much of the decline was really Ann's fault? George/Robin/Lara/Josh/Sam were a really strong GMA team at the time. Ann's ouster ended up being in vain because Today is still number #2, and NBC got a ton of bad press.

[TVLurker 198]

On 9/30/2024 at 3:27 PM, MediaZone4K said:

Moreover, how much of the decline was really Ann's fault? George/Robin/Lara/Josh/Sam were a really strong GMA team at the time. Ann's ouster ended up being in vain because Today is still number #2, and NBC got a ton of bad press.

 

Don't forget about all the interviews defending Lauer at the time. Those were appalling to read.

[Jase 1042]

On 9/30/2024 at 4:47 PM, MorningNews said:

As we discuss the big free agent talent out there it’s probably wise to consider the state of broadcast media right now. I’d like an outside splashy hire but networks likely aren’t paying that kind of money on a roll of dice hire like they used to especially when there’s proven talent already in the building. I guess I also just don’t see an appetite being there for personalities who are not currently working because of ratings woes.

 

Meredith was a moderator on the #1 daytime talk show when NBC snagged her. Norah was a prominent correspondent of the most watched network when CBS snagged her. Soledad O’Brien was weekend host of the most watched morning show when CNN took her. Just feels like those type of hires are of the past. Craig, Lauren, Peter Alexander, etc are all more than capable as any of the names mentioned and are already on the payroll.

 

What also needs to be considered is ratings. All three morning shows are relatively close in both total viewers and demo. And are, on average, separated by a couple of thousands viewers. With linear tv being what it is, would bringing in an outsider really move the needle? With Kotb leaving, do you also consider moving Guthrie to a new role as well and start fresh? Or do you keep it simple and just promote Craig?  

 

Again, with ratings being as tight as they are, the risks couldn't be higher. I don't envy the decision-makers at NBC.

 

 

 

 

Edited October 5, 2024 by Jase

[HSV cheesehead 99]

On 10/4/2024 at 2:20 PM, Jase said:

With Kotb leaving, do you also consider moving Guthrie to a new role as well and start fresh?

If they were to start fresh, the perfect pairing would be Tom Llamas and Hallie Jackson. They have already displayed great and unforced chemistry during election and convention coverage (see spin room from the Rep debate hosted by NBC)

[GodfreyGR 650]

Hoda is "Opening up" to PageSix on who she wants to replace her on Today... Ultimately a bunch of non-answers to who it's actually going to be.

 

“Look, you get to sit next to Savannah Guthrie … here’s what you’re going to do: You’re going to ride sidecar and say ‘Thank you very much,’ OK?”

 

https://pagesix.com/2024/10/29/entertainment/hoda-kotb-weighs-in-on-who-she-wants-to-replace-her-on-today/

[MorningNews 1437]

Her answer is also weird but I’m probably missing the context. 

[NowBergen 679]

1 hour ago, MorningNews said:

Her answer is also weird but I’m probably missing the context. 

This was a clickbait article by the Murdoch owned paper.  Nothing newsy about it.  So yes, the co-anchor needs to have chemistry with the existing anchor.  That's not new.

[Georgie56 3293]

In an obvious move, Craig Melvin will succeed Hoda Kotb.

[TheRolyPoly 2377]

15 hours ago, Georgie56 said:

In an obvious move, Craig Melvin will succeed Hoda Kotb.

 

From local evening news at WIS-TV 10 Columbia to the biggest morning job you can get at NBC... his rise has been nothing short of phenomenal.

EDIT: Speaking of WIS... (RIP) Joe Pinner called it. You'll find it towards the end of this article.

 

https://www.wistv.com/2024/11/14/how-watch-memorial-service-wis-icon-joe-pinner/

Edited November 15, 2024 by TheRolyPoly

[MD TV 254]

Likewise, the 4th hour will be renamed Jenna and Friends, as Jenna will have different co-hosts until they can find a permanent replacement

 

https://www.today.com/video/today-with-jenna-friends-to-debut-in-january-2025-224448581630

[MediaZone4K 2161]

It's always interesting to see how networks function on national holidays/presumably low staffing days. GMA, Today, and CBS Mornings are typically pre-recorded on Christmas and New Year's. As such, none of the primary anchors were live in the building this morning. Hallie Jackson anchored coverage as a special report for the New Orleans terror attack. 

 

It was pretty cool to see them take WDSU's coverage. IDK if this was holiday staffing related. Looks like CBS did something similar.

*Adding better pic

Edited January 1 by MediaZone4K

[GodfreyGR 650]

Hallie has been solid with NBC's Special Report coverage lately (She was in 1A for Jimmy Carter's passing as well)- For this, she did reporting on information she had available, but also openly stated that they were joining WDSU's coverage in progress for a few minutes at a time.

Honestly, for the big three to do this with their affiliates is a smart move over the cable networks. The local reporters and anchors know their communities far more intimately than than a national reporter does. 

[MediaZone4K 2161]

Thanks! TV was muted at work, so didn't hear that part. 

2 hours ago, GodfreyGR said:

Hallie has been solid with NBC's Special Report coverage lately (She was in 1A for Jimmy Carter's passing as well)- For this, she did reporting on information she had available, but also openly stated that they were joining WDSU's coverage in progress for a few minutes at a time.

Honestly, for the big three to do this with their affiliates is a smart move over the cable networks. The local reporters and anchors know their communities far more intimately than than a national reporter does. 

This has been pretty interesting year for breaking news happening on an off day. The Trump assassination attempts and Biden dropping out all happening on the weekend now this on the national holiday.

Edited January 1 by MediaZone4K

[mre29 1514]

5 hours ago, MediaZone4K said:

It was pretty cool to see them take WDSU's coverage. IDK if this was holiday staffing related. Looks like CBS did something similar.

*Adding better pic

 

It would probably look better if they were able to completely cover up WDSU's L3 or if WDSU was able to provide a version of the feed without it.

 

[Kyle R 46]

9 hours ago, mre29 said:

 

It would probably look better if they were able to completely cover up WDSU's L3 or if WDSU was able to provide a version of the feed without it.

 

Have a station get rid of their on-air branding while providing coverage to a national network? Yeah no.

[mre29 1514]

On 1/2/2025 at 1:02 AM, Kyle R said:

Have a station get rid of their on-air branding while providing coverage to a national network? Yeah no.

 

Then NBC should have done a better job of covering it up.

 

[NowBergen 679]

It wasn't a big deal and did not take away from coverage.  By seeing some of the local station's graphics, it was a cue that they leveraged their local station in New Orleans.  I'm sure very few were bothered by it. This was an emergency broadcast due to a terrorist attack.  There were more important things that morning.  

[JTT 111]

This is what networks should do when it is needed, use the resources of their local affiliates when breaking news occur.  NBC had other options and decided to use the local affiliate coverage.  If the issue is the graphics of the local station, it shouldn't be.  The station is part of the network.  

[MediaZone4K 2161]

On 1/5/2025 at 5:36 AM, JTT said:

This is what networks should do when it is needed, use the resources of their local affiliates when breaking news occur.  NBC had other options and decided to use the local affiliate coverage.  If the issue is the graphics of the local station, it shouldn't be.  The station is part of the network.  

Totally agree.

 

Similarly, I used to wonder why networks would fly reporters out, when they can just do exactly this, use coverage from a local station, or have a local station do a package for them.

 

Aside from telling the story their own way, I suppose its it's also about quality control. The fear that a green mid market reporter might not be as smooth in delivery. Admittedly I saw that in one of the live shots. 

 

Regardless, the crew did excellent, it was compelling coverage, and people get smoother over time. 

Edited January 7 by MediaZone4K

[GodfreyGR 650]

3 hours ago, MediaZone4K said:

Aside from telling the story their own way, I suppose its it's also about quality control. The fear that a green mid market reporter might not be as smooth in delivery. Admittedly I saw that in one of the live shots. 

This. Exactly this.

 

Also why when there's weather and Al, Ginger... Whoever the respective network has... is not available they throw it to an O&O met in NY or Chicago and not the weather guy in market 100-whatever.

[Jase 1042]

On 1/6/2025 at 6:22 PM, MediaZone4K said:

Totally agree.

 

Similarly, I used to wonder why networks would fly reporters out, when they can just do exactly this, use coverage from a local station, or have a local station do a package for them.

 

 

I wouldn't want an affiliate/local station to have to spend any time/resources doing packages for the network (particularly breaking news).  Their primary focus should be on serving their local communities first. In this case, it made perfect sense to go with WDSU until they could get a network crew down to New Orleans.

 

Plus, it very important that networks send anchors and/or correspondents around the country/world to develop connections (at the local level) to better serve their audience. While they can't truly compete with a local station, getting to know people, etc.. on the ground is invaluable.