It’s been a busy time for those in TV news. Glenn Beck is leaving Fox News, Katie Couric is leaving the CBS Evening News, and recently Today Show anchor Meredith Vieira announced that she, too, is leaving her show once her contract is over. Joining that list is Matt Lauer, according to Entertainment Tonight. Lauer, whose contract expires at the end of 2012, will be leaving the show after 15 years behind the desk. Lauer has previously hosted the likes of 9 Broadcast Plaza and Today in New York.
The Today Show has remained the number one morning show for quite some time, so it’ll be interesting to see if the transition will do anything to upset the applecart. Vieira pretty seamlessly replaced Couric in 2006, as The Today Show never fell from the top spot upon her arrival, but having two anchors leave, including someone who has been with the show for so long, will be a test for the venerable morning show. While it’s rumored that Ann Curry will be taking over for Vieira, there hasn’t been someone named as Lauer’s heir apparent, so selection will likely determine the show’s fate. As long as the two anchors have chemistry and are flexible enough to handle everything from talking about who got kicked off Dancing with the Stars last night to the latest political unrest overseas, I think everything will be alright.
Who do you think will replace Matt and Meredith? Where do you think Lauer goes once his contract ends? Do you think he and Katie should listen to the rumors and re-team in some form or fashion?
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Ann Curry will move over to replace Vieira. Craig Melvin will back-fill her vacated newsdesk role and then move-over to replace Matt when he goes.
Aw this makes me sad! I love Matt and Meredith!!