Jenna Wolfe - Is She Connecting?

Is Jenna Wolfe finally in a good groove with Lester Holt on 'Today'.


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Jenna Wolfe, NBC Weekend Today: Is She….

It was last Thanksgiving that I first blogged about Jenna Wolfe on NBC’s weekend edition of “Today.” That review wasn’t all that flattering. Here’s part of it:
First, Jenna Wolfe (who’s name is now tracked on the show open) screams at the camera (and me as a viewer). In an interview this morning, she was more distracted by a beeping clothes dryer than passing along information from a potentially good consumer segment. In segment after segment, her tone attitude and comments are just inappropriate and quite annoying. READ THE COMPLETE POST

I blogged many times since about the Saturday-Sunday volley between Amy Robach and Wolfe. Robach seemed polished on the surface. Wolfe was less so, bringing a completely different personality to the show on Sunday AM. Poor Lester, I wrote. To be fair, I blogged numerous times that Wolfe just needed time to grow in the role. Drop any of us into a great job like “Today” and we would need that time. So, to be fair in reassessing my criticism of her, I wanted to come back to the show this weekend… one year after that first blog. I wondered… what has changed? Has she improved? Is Jenna Wolfe better on this show now than a year ago?

The simple answer: YES. This morning’s hour was tremendously more watchable than many of the weekend shows I watched 10-11-12 months ago. True to the plea… she needed time to grow. Wolfe still brings a bit of edgy personality to the show. One of my early complaints about her anchoring was that she made the show about her… not the content. That happens many times when local or networks anchors believe the show is about them. It really is about the content. Personality and style are great appeals… but neither is a replacement for quality of content presented to the user. Today, Wolfe managed to work in her personality while still focusing on the content. A minor example happened in a “green” segment when Wolfe made some quick comment to the interviewee about herself… but then quickly said “let’s move on”… not letting those personal moments about linger. That’s a great balance. Let us see the unique, sometimes quirky, style you bring… but always stay focused on the content of the show. Not that my little blog or my little opinion matters to Wolfe or anyone else for that matter… but I would congratulate Wolfe. She has come a long way in this role in a year.

As a side now, I have blogged often about NBC News and “Today”. I am perhaps a rare breed of viewer these days. I grew up watching NBC and “Today”. I often drift and sample other products. The final year of “Good Morning America” with Charlie Gibson and Diana Sawyer was among their best. Great writing and great content made the duo very appealing. But… I always come back to home – NBC, “NBC Nightly News” and “Today”. (A big note: notice that I did not say MSNBC. I don’t like partisan, opinion-focused news content that much of cable news has become. Just give me the news, dammitt LOL) Now... it’s an ongoing challenge to keep us loyal viewers in place.

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR PREVIOUS POSTS
Amy Robach Selected Hottest News Anchor
Robach Signs New Deal With NBC
Jenna Wolfe: Is OK Enough?
Endless Fascination With Wolfe, Robach
MOST COMMENTED POST: Robach Back, Wolfe On Anchor Desk
What Has Happened To "Today"
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Today's Amy Robach Selected TV's Hottest Anchor

Maxim Magazine has selected NBC Weekend Today anchor Amy Robach as the Hottest TV anchor. Maxim.com has the complete list. Roback is a popular topic on this blog. The blog really started after NBC started splitting weekend anchor duties between Robach and Jenna Wolfe. Both are paired with Lester Holt on alternating days... guy is comfortable one day and on guard another. Here's what Maxim says about Robach, "All the recent wailing about America´s unemployment rate overlooks some of its benefits, namely the additional time it affords you with the hottest host in Today Show history. Her fill-in work at the news desk and on the NBC Nightly News has been par excellence, a term we know only because it´s a synonym for "nifty" on Webster.com." (The image is from her anchoring days at MSNBC.)

Here's the rest of the list:

2. Megan Kelly, FOX News

3. Erin Burnett, CNBC

4. Betty Nguyen, CNN

5. Jenna Lee, Fox Business News

6. Deidre Bolton, Bloomberg

7. Julie Banderas, FOX News

8. Margaret Brennan, CNBC

9. Courtney Friel, FOX News

10. Rebecca Jarvis, CNBC

OK boys and girls... what do we learn from this list? Here are some thoughts:

--If you're not hot, don't hold out much hope of working for FOX News. (3 of 10 are FOX News anchors)

--They have to hire some hotties to anchor business news anywhere... maybe to keep people awake. (5 of 10 are business anchors)

--Sad... Betty Nguyen is the only one holding the CNN flag.

--NBC's only win... the one that counts.. Robach in first place.

--Can you imagine the sad faces at ABC News and CBS News... put of the "No Hotties Work Here" sign

--So just where is Maria Bartiromo, the original 'Money Honey'?

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Did Tiki Barber Use The C-Word With Jenna Wolfe

WOW.. I missed this. But PopEater has the story tonight: Did Tiki Barber use the C-word today in his chat with Jenna Wolfe?
While discussing Olympic medals, Wolfe joked that she had been wearing Tiki's Super Bowl ring all week. Tiki, likely ashamed, was forced to point out that he never won a Super Bowl, and therefore doesn't have a ring. The argument carries over to a segment where the duo was discussing "medal count" with Brian Williams, but it sure sounds like Tiki uses a different word that "count" just shy of the :30 second mark ...
Take a look at the video for yourself, found tonight on PopEater.

Olympic Update 2
by bsap11

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Jenna Wolfe and Amy Robach on 'Weekend Today'

OK..It's time that I fess up. Last Thanksgiving weekend, I blogged for the first time about Jenna Wolfe and Amy Robach on 'Weekend Today'. It was a simple post. I had no intention of continuing to follow the saga of Wolfe's growth into the NBC position and the ongoing decision by NBC to split Saturday and Sunday AM anchoring duties. But thanks to search engines, users started finding my posts... over and over again. The differing styles of Wolfe and Robach are polarizing it seems. You "love them" one or both.... or you don't, there's no middle ground it seems.

I know several people who have commented on previous posts believe that I have given Wolfe an unfair shot. I'll say it again (and have in many posts), she is growing into the position. I congratulate her on her ability to not only achieve the position at NBC... but to keep it. She is obviously doing many things right. She deserves that credit. So... no matter what the sometimes week by week posts read about Wolfe's unique style, give her credit for having a lot of people talking.... and searching via Google, Yahoo and AOL for her name.

We all have our opinions about what we like in our news anchors. As my granny reminded me often, opinions are a 'dime a dozen'. The blogosphere allows every single one of us to voice our opinions. BUT I continue to be amazed at the interest in the 'Weekend Today' -Jenna Wolfe - Amy Robach... and by default, Lester Holt, saga.
CHECK OUT THE FIRST POST HERE.
CHECK OUT THE MOST READ POST: HERE.

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Amy Robach Signs New Deal With NBC

Amy Robach has apparently signed a new deal with NBC News, according to TV Newser. She will apparently do many of the same duties she's been doing for months: anchor the Saturday edition of 'Today" as well as provide national correspondent reports for 'Night News' and 'Today'. TVNewser is also careful to point out that Jenna Wolfe will continue to anchor the Sunday editions of 'Today'. Wolfe and Robach have "filled in' on those shows since Campbell Brown left last year.

Weekend Today Ratings - Who Wins? Jenna Wolfe or Amy Robach

So, there's a lot of talk on this blog about "Weekend Today" with Lester Holt and Amy Robach on Saturday... then Holt and Jenna Wolfe on Sunday. Everyone turns to ratings first to point out success or failure. In the most recent ratings, May sweeps, the Saturday and Sunday shows had about the same number of total viewers -- 160,000 difference.
Saturday:• Total viewers:NBC — 3,770,000 / ABC — 2,580,000 / CBS — 1,570,000
Sunday:• Total viewers:CBS — 4,450,000 / NBC — 3,610,000 / ABC — 2,320,000
That's not bad considering the shows have very different feels with two very different anchors. But again, in fairness, the ratings are about the same, And for those of you who love to say it's all about the key demos. That too was about the same.
Saturday • A25-54:NBC — 1,510,000 / ABC — 1,160,000 / CBS — 660,000
Sunday:• A25-54:CBS — 1,710,000 / NBC — 1,480,000 / ABC — 960,000
So, there you have it. At least from an overall viewership standpoint, there's not much difference.
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Well, time for some shameless promotion of another fun blog I just launched. Hey, we all need to get away from this mad media world on occasion right? Check out Meerkat Mania: LOVE FOR THE MEERKATS. Yes, I love those cute little critters that scurry across the Kalahari every Friday night on Animal Planet. I've watched previous seasons on DVR on rainy or sick days. It's easy-watching TV! "Meerkat Manor: The Next Generation" starts Friday at 9pm. Enjoy the show.. and add comments on the blog anytime! GET YOUR MEERKAT RINGTONES AT: Meerkat Mania LOVE FOR THE MEERKATS!

Jenna Wolfe, Amy Robach of Weekend Today -- What You Think

It's been a while since I aggregated some of the comments about Jenna Wolfe, Amy Robach and Lester Holt of 'Weekend Today'. There are several comments with this theme from people who really like Wolfe on the Sunday edition of 'Today'.
"I'm glad that you're coming around to liking Jenna Wolfe. Her quirky style is entertaining, at least compared to the dry delivery of other news deliverers. Rememeber, the today show is as much about the personalities as it is about the story itself. This isn't headline news. "
First, I do like Wolfe in some ways. She is a very talented on-air person... in her own right. I have blogged before about the specifics of what I like about both Wolfe and Robach.... and what I don't like. My posts are more about the chemistry on the show and how easy it is to watch. Sometimes talented people are miscast.

What follows is a few of the best comments to blog posts. You can find all posts about Wolfe, Robach and Holt by entering their name in the search corner in the upper left corner of the page. Add your comments at the bottom of this and any story. Thanks for taking part!
Anonymous said...
I agree with you Jeff. Robach and Holt have a very good, natural chemistry from their days at MSNBC, and it has translated over nicely to Weekend Today. Sunday, not so much. It has been how many months since Wolfe started doing Sundays, and Holt still looks like he would rather eat nails than sit there with her. I have no idea how one can find watching such an uncomfortable Lester Holt enjoyable.

Anonymous said...
I don't see Lester uncomfortable. What I see is an unpredictable Wolfe sometimes surprising him with her comments. I think this is what is making the show different than Saturdays, but equally as good. Wolfe and Robach are different personalities but both good in their own style and delivery

Ralph from Jersey said...
Jenna Wolfe will be a star! She has presence, candor, wit and a genuine sincerity that is sometimes lacking on network TV. She was an excellent reporter and anchor person in the New York metro area and has now taken her skills to The Today Show. She is the kind of person whom you root for as she is more "one of us" than "one of them".
Her interviews are better now than when she first started on air, and that is a natural progression. She is just a fun person to watch, very creative and someone that really draws you in. I am confident that she will stay in this gig for as long as she likes. People like to wake up with someone comfortable, yet credible. Jenna is like that.

Anonymous said...
Sundays are just uncomfortable. It is like inviting over the crazy uncle for the Holiday's and being continuously nervous about what might come out of his mouth. That is the same feeling I get with Jenna Wolfe.

Anonymous said...
Jenna's voice is not soothing. She did a piece on a taser party and refrained from her most annoying humor. However, her piece on the "what I learned from women who dumped me" was dull. Also, she kept interrupting the guests with stupid mumblings.
She soaked up Ann Curry advertising Jenna's dating status.

Anonymous said...
Rather than focus on how bad Jenna Wolfe is, I would like to throw a new name for consideration for the job. I suggest the underutilized Melissa Francis of CNBC.

Anonymous said...
Well said. Jenna hasn't been doing any fluff segments lately. Come to think of it I haven't seen her at all during peak times. Her style fits with midday stay at home somebodies who don't get out of the house. She is rough around the edges and self consumed.

Anonymous said...
I would like to see Amy Robach on the Weekend Today show both days. I don't enjoy watching Jenna. I agree she is 'rough around the edges' and I don't think her 'humor' is funny. Let us have Amy Saturday & Sunday

Anonymous said...
Lester Holt is a real gentleman... how does he remain so composed when he has to co-host with Jenna Wolfe? She is constantly trying to steal the spotlight away from him and back onto herself... it is embarrassing to see. I don't watch the show on Sunday anymore because I don't want to be annoyed by her unprofessional behavior. I haven't read one nice comment about her yet. Why do you keep her on? You are losing viewers!

eastcoastfan said...
I am a big Today show fan and love Lester Holt on the weekends. He is articulate, charming and entertaining, but the powers that be at the Today show need to know how obnoxious Jenna Wolfe is!!! Her "attempts" at trying to be hip, cool and funny are nothing but annoying. Today is going to lose a lot of loyal fans if they continue to put Jenna on the air. With all of the talent in NY, Jenna is the "best" that you can do? Viewers say: "Put Amy Robach on as permanent weekend co-anchor"
----
Well, time for some shameless promotion of another fun blog I just launched. Hey, we all need to get away from this mad media world on ocassion right? Check out Meerkat Mania: LOVE FOR THE MEERKATS. Yes, I love those cute little critters that scurry across the Kalahari every Friday night on Animal Planet. I've watched previous seasons on DVR on rainy or sick days. It's easy-watching TV! "Meerkat Manor: The Next Generation" starts Friday at 9pm. Enjoy the show.. and add comments on the blog anytime! GET YOUR MEERKAT RINGTONES AT: Meerkat Mania LOVE FOR THE MEERKATS!

Jenna Wolfe and Amy Robach Switcheroo on Today

Sunday 'Today' seemed much like Saturday. Amy Robach filled in for Jenna Wolfe.... who filled in for her Saturday. Weekend viewers who are accustomed to seeing two very different styles in anchors for Saturday and Sunday... got a chance to see the other this weekend. Robach and Lester Holt explained at the top of the Sunday show that Robach was flying back from her late-week adventure with "Where In The World Is Matt Lauer". So, Wolfe pulled Saturday duties... and Robach on Sunday for this week. It's just an easy start to the show.... here's to hoping.

CHECK OUT THIS LAST WOLFE - ROBACH POST

WHILE YOU'RE HERE....

Jenna Wolfe and Lester Holt on 'Weekend Today' Show

There were more high jinks this AM on the Sunday edition of 'Today' with Jenna Wolfe and Lester Holt. This morning, Wolfe seemed to return to 'how I'm related to the news". I think she has made a lot of progress in this position... but still too often slips back into self-inclusion in the news or self-depricating actions.

• This morning, at the top of the show, Wolfe got into some back and forth with Holt about a word. I believe she was taliing about "schismatizing". Holt didn't realize what she was talking about (neither did I)... and told her. She mentioned that her mother would be happy about the discussion... and something about her 'big new job here.' It was awkward for Holt. I really like him and hate to see the rhythm of the show disrupted for him.
• Later, as Wolfe read a story about Pres. Bush's remarks last night at a Washington media event, she pulled herself into the story. Bush was joking about John McCain distancing himself from Bush. The President added that 'Jenna is moving out.' Wolfe joked about herself (Jenna) not knowing she was moving out. We (viewers) all know the President was talking about his daughter. Awkward.
• Finally, in several later segments, Wolfe made reference to the drizzle on the plaza and that she was out in. She finally even slapped herself around a bit by saying she needed to just stop talking about the rain. How about complaining to the executive producer about the segments in the rain instead of mentioning it so often to viewers.

If you've followed my posts about Wolfe, Amy Robach and Holt, you'll know that I was tough on Wolfe when she came to this position. I have been, and still am, an NBC News watcher. But, I think she has grown a lot. It's sad though when she slips back into old habits. By they way, there's a new string of comments about Wolfe on TVSpy.com. And... the TodayShow.com page focused on Weekend Today still only features Holt. There's no presence for Wolfe or Robach.

SEARCH FOR ALL WOLFE AND ROBACH POSTS BY ENTERING THE NAME IN THE SEARCH BOX IN THE UPPER LEFT CORNER OF THE PAGE

CHECK OUT PAST POSTS ABOUT WOLFE, AMY ROBACH, 'TODAY'
Wolfe and Robach Co-Anchor Sunday 'Today'
Amy Robach (and Tamron Hall) on MSNBC
'Today' On Super Bowl Sunday
Wolfe-Robach, The Saga Continues
Endless Fascination With Wolfe
Jenna Wolfe & Weekend 'Today': Is OK Enough?
Robach Back, Wolfe Reading News
What In The World Has Happened To Weekend 'Today'
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Amy Robach And Jenna Wolfe Anchor NBC's "Today' Together Sunday

What a surprise this Sunday morning to see Amy Robach and Jenna Wolfe anchoring the ‘Today’ show together. Lester Holt is apparently off today. Early in the show, the duo talked about the all-female team at the show this morning (Tamsen Fadel read the news and Janice Huff pulled weather duties).

The 8:30 half hour opened with LIVE coverage of the Pope's arrival at Ground Zero. Robach clearly has the edge carrying coverage like this because of her work on MSNBC. NBC dumped out of the Pope's arrival before he actually arrived. Robach tried to transition to singers on the plaza. It was a bit awkward.. along with the solemn and serious look on Wolfe's face as she glanced over toward Robach. It seemed to be Robach's show. She handled the first segment after news and weather in the first half hour. She handled the first segment after the Pope coverage and weather in the second half hour. There wasn't a lot else unique or different about the show.

There are some clear differences in style for each. Robach is the more traditional news anchor of the two. Some people think that may be a bad thing. Wolfe is a little more casual. But sometimes she is too casual which becomes annoying to some viewers. On Saturdays, Robach seems to have a more natural chemistry with Holt. Sundays, Wolfe appears to catch him off guard sometimes... making it an awkward experience.

A footnote: it will be interesting to see if Robach gets the fill-in duties tonight on ‘NBC Nightly News’.

SEARCH FOR ALL WOLFE AND ROBACH POSTS BY ENTERING THE NAME IN THE SEARCH BOX IN THE UPPER LEFT CORNER OF THE PAGE

CHECK OUT PAST POSTS ABOUT WOLFE, AMY ROBACH, 'TODAY'
Amy Robach (and Tamron Hall) on MSNBC
'Today' On Super Bowl Sunday
Wolfe-Robach, The Saga Continues
Endless Fascination With Wolfe
Jenna Wolfe & Weekend 'Today': Is OK Enough?
Robach Back, Wolfe Reading News
What In The World Has Happened To Weekend 'Today'
See A Sample Of Other User Comments About Wolfe, Robach
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WHILE YOU'RE HERE....

Jenna Wolfe of 'Weekend Today'... and the Bully Segment

It's been a few weeks since I have had a chance to watch the Sunday edition of 'Today' with Jenna Wolfe and Lester Holt. This morning as I watched, I realized little has changed.

Wolfe, who when I watched last, seemed to have moved beyond making the news more about her and how the content affects her... than about the viewer. This morning she seemed to fall back into old habits with quick quips and comments about stories and segments. It's kind of laughable. When I heard a segment being teased about adult bullies, I began to wonder. Would Wolfe do this segment? Would it be silly? Finally about 45 minutes into the show, the segment came on with Wolfe admitting that she had frizzy hair as a child and that students picked on her. It seems trivial in this writing. But, watching the segment and Wolfe's introduction reminded me of her performance months ago that irritated so many people (and endeared her to some others).

I still wish all involved the best (and I am a lifelong viewer of NBC News). We as viewers get a better product with success. But, engaging viewers for an anchor goes far beyond self-involvement in the content or self-deprecating comments. Add you comments to this post... and about Jenna Wolfe/Amy Roback/Lester Holt in the comments field below.

CHECK OUT PAST POSTS ABOUT WOLFE, AMY ROBACH, 'TODAY'
Amy Robach (and Tamron Hall) on MSNBC
'Today' On Super Bowl Sunday
Wolfe-Robach, The Saga Continues
Endless Fascination With Wolfe
Jenna Wolfe & Weekend 'Today': Is OK Enough?
Robach Back, Wolfe Reading News
What In The World Has Happened To Weekend 'Today'
See A Sample Of Other User Comments About Wolfe, Robach
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WHILE YOU'RE HERE....

Jenna Wolfe of 'Weekend Today' May Be Improving?

If you've read previous posts on this blog about Jenna Wolfe and Amy Robach on NBC's 'Weekend Today', you know that I am not a fan of the personality that Wolfe brings to the anchor desk. It's distracting and annoying at times. But when I notice something different or better, I'll admit it. So, this morning I have to wonder if Wolfe is actually finding a better rhythm on the show. As I watched this morning, she tried to stay focused on the content. The quick adlibs after weather, etc., were simple, focused on the content and kept the forward momentum of the show going. Her comments were not focused on 'what the news means to Jenna". I've said all along that my posts were not about Wolfe herself as much as they were intended to be a look at how Wolfe affected the content and the tone of the show. This morning was actually much more watchable as a viewer than many other Sunday editions!

UPDATE: Wolfe goes to Cirque du Soleil was the typical Jenna stunt piece. Those feature pieces fit her personality better than the anchor desk as a whole. While Wolfe was having a pretty good show at the anchor desk, I was hoping the show stayed focused on content of concern or that matters to Sunday morning viewers... not these Jenna stunt pieces.

CHECK OUT PAST POSTS ABOUT WOLFE, AMY ROBACH, 'TODAY'
Amy Robach (and Tamron Hall) on MSNBC
'Today' On Super Bowl Sunday
Wolfe-Robach, The Saga Continues
Endless Fascination With Wolfe
Jenna Wolfe & Weekend 'Today': Is OK Enough?
Robach Back, Wolfe Reading News
What In The World Has Happened To Weekend 'Today'
See A Sample Of Other User Comments About Wolfe, Robach
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PageSix.com Launches; Did TMZ Respond?
Keith Olbermann To Lou Dobbs: 'World's Worst"
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Amy Robach on NBC’s Weekend ‘Today’: What I DO Like… and What I DON’T

I’ve blogged often about Amy Robach and Jenna Wolfe anchoring opposite weekend days on ‘Today’ show. Lester Holt stands guard as the co-anchor on both Saturday and Sunday. I admit I’ve been critical of Wolfe for her self-serving anchor style. I also blogged recently about what I DID like about Wolfe on Sunday. So, I thought it only fair to blog about what I DO like about Robach… and because I have criticized Wolfe so often, I must admit a few things I don’t like about Robach on the show.

First, what I do like.
Robach seems natural and focused. She’s not scattered and bouncing around. She’s more of a traditional news anchor who’s there to do the news.
She avoids making the news about her. It’s often a very “light’ show… so the opportunities are plentiful. But, she successfully focuses on the content and not her opinions.
There seems to be a natural fit between Holt and Robach. It’s a comfortable show to watch. Some readers of other posts think the show is too bland with Robach and Holt. I admit that it is more traditional show. I believe it’s still very watchable.
Robach seems to have more “life experiences” similar to viewers who are watching. She may have been a happy-go-lucky, bouncy, giggly, single party girl at one time. Heck, she may still be much of that. (She’s married with kids) But on-air she appears much more connected to content because of her maturity level.

Now a few things I don’t like.
Ocasionally, Robach gets a little too cheesy in the cross-talk with Holt or other anchors. I’ve never noticed it with guests. But sometimes the happy talk is annoying. It’s a far different crosstalk scenario than Holt has with Wolfe.
And, sometimes Robach dresses a little too ‘frumpy”. I’ve seen this more during her anchor shifts on MSNBC than on “Today”. I noticed it today (Friday) when she wore some thick, clunky, brown “jacket”. Robach may be married with kids and love to hang out at home on her off days. But still, she’s a network news anchor. Give me the sharp suits and truly professional news anchor look.

CHECK OUT PAST POSTS ABOUT WOLFE, AMYROBACH, 'TODAY'
Amy Robach (and Tamron Hall) on MSNBC
'Today' On Super Bowl Sunday
Wolfe-Robach, The Saga Continues
Endless Fascination With Wolfe
Jenna Wolfe & Weekend 'Today': Is OK Enough?
Robach Back, Wolfe Reading News
What In The World Has Happened To Weekend 'Today'
See A Sample Of Other User Comments About Wolfe, Robach
CHECK OUT OTHER POPULAR POSTS
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Keith Olbermann To Lou Dobbs: 'World's Worst"
ADD YOUR COMMENT BELOW ABOUT THE AMY ROBACH - JENNA WOLFE ISSUE ON 'TODAY'
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WHILE YOU'RE HERE....

Jenna Wolfe on Weekend ‘Today’ Joins The Circus (No.. Not A Three-Ring Circus)

This is just too odd to pass up. Jenna Wolfe joined the circus for a report this week on ‘Today’. See the video here. From her ‘Today’ show reporter notebook, Wolfe described her Vegas circus act. “We arrived at night just in time to catch "Mystere" from the audience perspective. This Cirque Du Soleil show is permanently set at the impressive Treasure Island resort on the Strip.”

Wolfe continues to be the stunt reporter on ‘Today’. She has a very loyal following.. and very passionate opponents of her anchoring on Sunday ‘Today’ with Lester Holt. (just check out other posts). It also seems Wolfe has cemented here status as a ‘news babe’… at least on the web. Take a look here.

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CHECK OUT PAST POSTS ABOUT WOLFE, AMY ROBACH, 'TODAY'
Amy Robach (and Tamron Hall) on MSNBC
'Today' On Super Bowl Sunday
Wolfe-Robach, The Saga Continues
Endless Fascination With Wolfe
Jenna Wolfe & Weekend 'Today': Is OK Enough?
Robach Back, Wolfe Reading News
What In The World Has Happened To Weekend 'Today'
See A Sample Of Other User Comments About Wolfe, Robach
CHECK OUT OTHER POPULAR POSTS
CNN's Rick Sanchez 'Out In The Open' Really 'Out Of Control'
PageSix.com Launches; Did TMZ Respond?
Keith Olbermann To Lou Dobbs: 'World's Worst"
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Weekend Today With Lester Holt and Amy Robach: A Solid Template

Today's Saturday edition of "Today" with Lester Holt and Amy Robach is a great template of how solid the show can be on a day to day basis. The first half hour included a 23 minute segment that was filled with solid information. There was a good assessment of today's political landscape (Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain). There was a look at the winter storm in the northeast and preps for a big storm on the West Coast. Plus, there was a look at the new flu strain that's part of a nationwide epidemic. Dr. Nancy Snyderman also talked about heart attack problems. The content bridged a wide range of topics. Lester Holt and Amy Robach anchored. And yes, Jenna Wolfe was at the news desk. She did a good job.. and avoided making the news about her. It was very watchable today.

This was one of the most solid half hours of a weekend edition of 'Today' that I've seen for a while. This wasn't about breaking news. It was just a "normal" day with content to match. NBC execs MUST recognize the stark difference between this half hour and the often awkward and uncomfortable half hours on other days. Even the second half hour was watchable. The lead was about Britney Spears... a story I personally hate but professionally realize is part of popular culture.

On a side note, I watch 'Today' in the Minneapolis-St. Paul market (yes it's cold here!). I watch NBC affiliate KARE 11 which has one of the best news storytellers in TV (Boyd Hooper) and a pretty good news product. But, it annoys the heck out of me when local stations do not take advantage in any way of the local cutaway/avails here. I'm not suggesting you simply repeat last night's headlines. Consider producing a segment (live or taped) that targets the local audience watching at this hour. It's a shame these days to miss any opportunity to expand the reach and message of a local TV station to the audience. Every minute missed is an opportunity you'll never get back. Enough about that rant!

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CHECK OUT PAST POSTS ABOUT WOLFE, AMY ROBACH, 'TODAY'
Amy Robach (and Tamron Hall) on MSNBC
'Today' On Super Bowl Sunday
Wolfe-Robach, The Saga Continues
Endless Fascination With Wolfe
Jenna Wolfe & Weekend 'Today': Is OK Enough?
Robach Back, Wolfe Reading News
What In The World Has Happened To Weekend 'Today'
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Jenna Wolfe on NBC’s Weekend Today: What I DO Like

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Jenna Wolfe on NBC’s weekend ‘Today’ (Sunday) has been a frequent topic of this blog since Thanksgiving. If you’ve read any posts, you know as a viewer I appreciate more serious and experienced journalists as anchors than quirky, self-defacing ones. But, a comment posted on my last blog entry reminded me of a few things. First, the comment:

"In disagreement with you, I think Jenna Wolfe has a unique personality and the more of her I see, the more I like her. Sometimes her comments are not professional, but on the other hand, I have seen a lot of professionals that are quite boring to watch. This is why as I think Amy Robach is great on Saturdays, I think Jenna Wolfe is perfect for the Sunday host job. Sunday mornings are cluttered with all the political, hard hitting shows, and to me the Sunday show should be a light start to the day. Plus it looks like she has calmed down quite a bit. She is young, but she will get there. Until then I am going to enjoy Amy Robach on Saturdays, and enjoy Jenna Wolfe on Sundays. I am going to enjoy the excitement that Jenna Wolfe brings. She is starting to grow on me."

The user hit on several great points. Wolfe is young. She will get better. Some of her comments are inappropriate. An earlier post questioned whether she is really ready for a ‘Today’ spot. (Read more of those posts below.) There are some things that I do like or appreciate about Wolfe here though. Whether I or anyone thinks she’s ready, Wolfe HAS the job when many others would love it. She plotted her career path and it has apparently paid off. I also like that she has us talking. It’s easy to stir negative comments but the reality is that many of us still watch and still talk about the ‘Today’. She doesn’t appear to have driven too many people away. My series of posts about Wolfe (and others) really points to a broader decline in the experience and respect of TV news anchors. She happens to be an easy target as a new anchor on Sunday ‘Today’ because she embodies a shift from journalists who anchor the news to perky, sometimes annoying, “talent” for news as entertainment.

By the way, here was my response to the user who posted.
“I completely appreciate and respect your opinions. I also have posted several times that I appreciate and respect Jenna for her career position. No matter whether you like to watch her on Sundays, she's at a great spot in her career. I do respect that. Few if any rising on-air talent would turn down a job like that. I wish her luck. That said, I personally don't like it when Jenna, or any anchor for that matter, makes the news broadcast and the news segments about them. I hold out hope that there is still some real "news" approaches out there that have not become all entertainment.”
I encourage you to add your comments below. Again, Jenna has helped us continue a dialogue about who should anchor our favorite newscasts that has been popular over the last few years. Read more of the posts below. Vote in the ‘user opinion survey’ below… plus in my poll on the right column.

ADD YOUR COMMENT BELOW ABOUT THE AMY ROBACH - JENNA WOLFE ISSUE ON 'TODAY'
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READER OPINION SURVEY - SLANTLY.COM


CHECK OUT PAST POSTS ABOUT WOLFE, AMYROBACH, 'TODAY'
Amy Robach (and Tamron Hall) on MSNBC
'Today' On Super Bowl Sunday
Wolfe-Robach, The Saga Continues
Endless Fascination With Wolfe
Jenna Wolfe & Weekend 'Today': Is OK Enough?
Robach Back, Wolfe Reading News
What In The World Has Happened To Weekend 'Today'
See A Sample Of Other User Comments About Wolfe, Robach
CHECK OUT OTHER POPULAR POSTS
CNN's Rick Sanchez 'Out In The Open' Really 'Out Of Control'
PageSix.com Launches; Did TMZ Respond?
Keith Olbermann To Lou Dobbs: 'World's Worst"
>-----
Well, time for some shameless promotion of another fun blog I just launched. Hey, we all need to get away from this mad media world on ocasion right? Check out Meerkat Mania: LOVE FOR THE MEERKATS. Yes, I love those cute little critters that scurry across the Kalahari every Friday night on Animal Planet. I've watched previous seasons on DVR on rainy or sick days. It's easy-wastching TV! "Meerkat Manor: The Next Generation" starts Friday at 9pm. Enjoy the show.. and add comments on the blog anytime! GET YOUR MEERKAT RINGTONES AT: Meerkat Mania LOVE FOR THE MEERKATS!

Amy Robach Of NBC’s Weekend Today on MSNBC Daytime

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I rarely get a chance to catch much of MSNBC daytime programming. This week though, because of some breaking news, I had the volume turned up just enough to hear the latest developments. I’ve been posting a alot about Amy Robach on Weekend Today (Saturday) and whether NBC’s decision to have Jenna Wolfe anchor Sunday is appealing to viewers. This week, it was nice to see Robach fly solo on MSNBC daytime. She’s even more striking on that set that on the ‘Today’ set. I also believe its great training for her to handle repeated breaking news event coverage during the day. She’s has a good grasp of what she’s doing.. and is only going to be better. The hard news experience gives her more depth for the often soft and feature content of ‘Today”. By the way, here's a mildly interesting comment from the NY Post last year about Robach.

As I watched this week though, I also saw Tamron Hall once again. I blogged about her recent fill-in position as newsreader on ‘Today’. She has an even greater and more positive presence during the mid-morning shift on MSNBC than I recall on ‘Today’. She’s in control. She appears to know the news. She’s engaging. She looks very sharp with one exception. I don’t understand why some women on TV insist on wearing large hoop earrings. They may be fine in the office… but they’re distracting on TV. That aside, Hall and Robach have been a pleasure to during breaking news this week.

I haven't had a chance to really see much of the many hours of 'Today' this week. That's where Wolfe gets a lot of exposure doing feature stories. Robach and Wolfe have different strengths. But in the end, viewers of the weekend editions of 'Today' want to find comfort and re-assurance when they tune in for the morning news. Instead, there always seems to be an uneasiness on Sunday mornings's when Wolfe anchors. More reviews coming this weekend here at MediaAnswers.

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HERE ARE SOME COMMENTS FROM THE LAST POST ABOUT 'TODAY' ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY.
"Here are some comments from the last post about Jenna Wolfe, Amy Robach and 'Today'.
I really enjoyed the Sunday show today. It is those unpredictable comments that make it fun. Great show Saturday, great show today."
"If you enjoy Lester Holt squirming with confusion and confoundment as to what his role is when his co-host keeps trying to dominate the show, then the show was about as enjoyable as it can get."
"Sundays are just uncomfortable. It is like inviting over the crazy uncle for the Holiday's and being continuosly nervous about what might come out of his mouth. That is the same feeling I get with Jenna Wolfe."
"Jenna's voice is not soothing. She did a piece on a taser party and refrained from her most annoying humor. Howver, her piece on the "what I learned from women who dumped me" was dull. Also, she kept interrupting the guests with stupid mumblings.She soaked up ann curry advertising jenna's dating status."

READER OPINION SURVEY - SLANTLY.COM

CHECK OUT PAST POSTS ABOUT WOLFE, AMYROBACH, 'TODAY'
'Today' On Super Bowl Sunday
Wolfe-Robach, The Saga Continues
Endless Fascination With Wolfe
Jenna Wolfe & Weekend 'Today': Is OK Enough?
Robach Back, Wolfe Reading News
What In The World Has Happened To Weekend 'Today'
See A Sample Of Other User Comments About Wolfe, Robach
CHECK OUT OTHER POPULAR POSTS
CNN's Rick Sanchez 'Out In The Open' Really 'Out Of Control'
PageSix.com Launches; Did TMZ Respond?
Keith Olbermann To Lou Dobbs: 'World's Worst"

WHILE YOU'RE HERE....

Jenna Wolfe On Weekend Today Sexes It Up This Weekend

I'll avoid the long posts this weekend. But after a long week and some time away from posting, I made a point of catching the Sunday edition of 'Today" with Jenna Wolfe and Lester Holt this morning. I had to chuckle. I missed the show open but saw Wolfe and Holt on a two shot after the political debrief with Tim Russert. Whoa. It may be a new mandate (I real it is at CNBC) to have female anchors in tight form fitting clothes. I didn't realize the orders spilled over to NBC News.

Wolfe sported a tight form fitting, black sweater/blouse with a deep, carved cut for her chest. I chuckled because my thought was "If all else fails, sex it up a bit." But, then came the interview with the TV Guide editor. Add a short skirt, dark hosiery and mid-thigh boots to the form fitting blouse... and you have the 'sex it up' headline.

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HERE ARE SOME COMMENTS FROM THE LAST POST ABOUT 'TODAY' ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY.
"Here are some comments from the last post about Jenna Wolfe, Amy Robach and 'Today'.
I really enjoyed the Sunday show today. It is those unpredictable comments that make it fun. Great show Saturday, great show today."
"If you enjoy Lester Holt squirming with confusion and confoundment as to what his role is when his co-host keeps trying to dominate the show, then the show was about as enjoyable as it can get."
"Sundays are just uncomfortable. It is like inviting over the crazy uncle for the Holiday's and being continuosly nervous about what might come out of his mouth. That is the same feeling I get with Jenna Wolfe."
"Jenna's voice is not soothing. She did a piece on a taser party and refrained from her most annoying humor. Howver, her piece on the "what I learned from women who dumped me" was dull. Also, she kept interrupting the guests with stupid mumblings.She soaked up ann curry advertising jenna's dating status."
CHECK OUT PAST POSTS ABOUT WOLFE, AMYROBACH, 'TODAY'
'Today' On Super Bowl Sunday
Wolfe-Robach, The Saga Continues
Endless Fascination With Wolfe
Jenna Wolfe & Weekend 'Today': Is OK Enough?
Robach Back, Wolfe Reading News
What In The World Has Happened To Weekend 'Today'
See A Sample Of Other User Comments About Wolfe, Robach
CHECK OUT OTHER POPULAR POSTS
CNN's Rick Sanchez 'Out In The Open' Really 'Out Of Control'
PageSix.com Launches; Did TMZ Respond?
Keith Olbermann To Lou Dobbs: 'World's Worst"
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Jenna Wolfe On Weekend Today & Super Bowl Sunday

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I kind of worried about how silly Super Bowl Sunday coverage would be on Sunday’s ‘Today’ show if Jenna Wolfe was co-anchoring. I wondered if NBC would send Wolfe to Arizona because of her sports anchoring background. That did not happen. But the tone was set at the top of the show. Wolfe referenced her childhood memories of Super Bowl as “Stupid Bowl Sunday”. Like the rest of us, Lester Holt looked confused.

Coverage of the historic game was centered around the cook-off between Holt and Wolfe. It was teased at the top of the show and then again to start the second half hour. At one point, Holt jokingly said to Wolfe, “You’re taking this pretty seriously.” Before they moved to the cook-off, Wolfe tossed to a question and answer with Tiki Barber. It was for the sports-minded viewers that Barber and Wolfe talked about the historic nature of the game. But at the end of this interview, the self-awareness jokes returned for Wolfe. She joked that Barber attended the Playboy party and hoped Barber had told Hugh Hefner that she was absent from the party because she had to work. The actual cook-off that ended the show was pretty funny and enjoyable. There was enough content around Wolfe that even her jokes seemed appropriate in this segment.

Some other notes: Wolfe’s live interview with Republican Mike Huckabee was pretty good until the very end when she stumbled about what was next. Wolfe focused on whether Huckabee is the third man in a two-man Republican race and finished with the obligatory question about a vice-presidential spot.
Tamron Hall handled news desk duties and was very easy and pleasant to watch.
And, I’m so glad to see Janice Huff on the show. She too is easy and pleasant to watch.
READ OPINION SURVEY - Slantly.com


CHECK OUT PAST POSTS ABOUT WOLFE, AMY ROBACH, 'TODAY'
Wolfe-Robach, The Saga Continues
Endless Fascination With Wolfe
Jenna Wolfe & Weekend 'Today': Is OK Enough?
Robach Back, Wolfe Reading News
What In The World Has Happened To Weekend 'Today'
See A Sample Of Other User Comments About Wolfe, Robach
CHECK OUT OTHER POPULAR POSTS
CNN's Rick Sanchez 'Out In The Open' Really 'Out Of Control'
PageSix.com Launches; Did TMZ Respond?
Keith Olbermann To Lou Dobbs: 'World's Worst"

WHILE YOU'RE HERE....