Erin Burnett on NBC Today Show

The first segment of the Today Show is now back in my routine. This week I have watched CNBC's Erin Burnet co-anchor with Matt Lauer. Here are some quick thoughts (as always these are simply my personal opinions and in no way meant to be taken personally by the reader).
--Burnett is "ok" on this show. She's young. She's growing.. and she's just "OK"
--She's trying too hard at times. Opening the show this AM with a reference to sun needed in NY when the first story was the shooting at the Holocaust Museum was awkward. Lauer knew it. He moved on without a reference. Given more hard news exposure, Lauer is the most under-utilized "hard news" guy at NBC. How long can he keep doing cooking segments.
--When all else fails, reference mom. She's done it this week. Just seems odd.
--I still like Natalie Morales and Ann Curry filling in. Both are strong and enjoyable for different reasons. NOTE: I don't like the silliness that happens on the show sometimes. Curry and Morales, like all the others, get caught up in themselves too often. Still, I watch.

In the end, Burnett is OK. She's easy on the eyes. She is a "TV expert" on the evonomy. She'll grow. SEARCH for more of my posts about Burnett by entering her name in the search box above.


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Amy Robach's Exclusive Interview With Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich

Amy Robach snagged the first interview with troubled Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. The governor is scheduled to appear Monday on 'Good Morning America' and "The View'. THAT was billed as exclusive. But Robach snagged the interview Saturday... with pieces airing on "Today," "Meet the Press" and "NBC Nightly News Sunday." The full interview will air on "Today" Monday... I'm sure opposite the live "GMA" interview. Here's a clip.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

This from the Chicago Sun-Times.

Blagojevich, wearing a blue ivy league shirt, told NBC's Amy Robach that he has not prepared mentally for possibly going to prison. The impeachment was triggered by Blagojevich's Dec. 9 arrest on criminal charges, including trying to auction off President Obama's vacant senate seat.
As Dec. 9 unfolded, Blagojevich told NBC, "I thought about Mandela, Dr. King and Gandhi and tried to put some perspective to all this and that is what I am doing now."
Blagojevich is not going to participate in his defense because he says the rules are rigged against him. He will not be in Springfield for his trial; instead he will be doing nationally televised interviews.
The governor told NBC that the state Senate trial will be so unfair, he could bring in "15 angels and 20 saints led by Mother Theresa" to testify on his behalf and "it wouldn't matter."

It's a bit of a comeback for NBC News... after Matt Lauer lost his touted exclusive with the pilot of that US Air flight that crashed into the Hudson River. That interview went to Katie Couric and CBS News.

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Katie Couric Gets US Air Capt., Goes Prime Time, Hosts A Grammy Special.... and Angers Inauguration Day Viewers

Katie Couric seems to be on a roll.
First... she snags the exclusive from Matt Lauer with US Air Capt. Chesley Sullenberger. While Lauer and NBC said they had the interview for last Monday (although it was delayed), CBS now has the interview that will air on Feb. 8, on '60 Minutes' right before the Grammy Awards. FROM THE NYTIMES.COM Soon after NBC began publicizing that appearance it was abruptly canceled, at the request of the pilots’ union, which expressed concern that it might affect the investigation into the landing, which was executed so well that all 155 people on board survived. Asked on Friday why the captain had since decided to pass over “Today” for “60 Minutes,” a Sullenberger family spokesman, Alex Clemens, said, “The five members of the crew spoke with each other and made a joint decision of how they would like to proceed.” In a statement, NBC said: “What Captain Sullenberger did in the cockpit on Flight 1549 was heroic and admirable. Unfortunately, people close to him have not acted nearly as admirably.”

Then, word came that Couric would get a special edition of 'CBS Evening News' in prime time this week on Jan. 28. FROM THE CBS RELEASE
"This is a unique opportunity to showcase the CBS Evening News and give viewers who might not be able to sample the broadcast the chance to see the outstanding work being done by Katie and the CBS News team," said Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports.
"I am extremely proud of the tremendous work by Katie and our entire team and the primetime broadcast is yet another platform to bring our distinct reporting and franchise news series to a wider audience," said Rick Kaplan, Executive Producer of the CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC

And now... word from CBS that Couric will host a Grammy artist special on Feb 4. TVNewser.com (one of my regular reads) has the info.
The special is being produced by the news division with "48 Hours Mystery" EP Susan Zirinsky in charge. "Couric has an innate ability for getting people to reveal themselves in a uniquely intimate way," says Zirinsky. "This broadcast highlights her talent and showcases a new side of these celebrated artists like Justin Timberlake."
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Meantime... I am still intrigued by what Couric said about George W. Bush on the Barack Obama inauguration day. Several readers posted on my site angry comments. Several more have added their feedback. What did she say? Does anyone have a clip? Here are the comments.
SunflowerPipes said...
This article reminds me that we have come so far in so little time. Obama is an inspiring leader and I was grateful to be present at his inauguration. I have seen a lot of comments stating that as Americans people should not have booed Bush. I think that they have forgotten what it means to be Americans. I practice dissent were I believe it is needed. There is no doubt that Bush has broken the law and betrayed the trust of the country on many occasions. Look no further than the justice department for evidence of this. I am enclosing a link to the footage I took of Bush being booed at Obama's inauguration. People look like they are just ready for Bush to go and I feel as they do. Bush Booed During Inauguration LinkCheers
H said...
Hey SunflowerPinHead:There is difference between dissent and out and out rudeness. You can express a dissenting point of view without being rude or nasty. In fact, when expressing dissent in a dignified way, you are more likely to be heard from people who might be open to your point of view. Besides people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, meaning what the heck do you know about federal law b/c I think you should provide an explanation (of your own, not some media outlets) giving the so-called crime of Bush. When you can sit down and read a law book, interpret it appropriately, and then justify what you are saying using that source as a citation then maybe I would be open to what you are saying, but since you don't know that booing is not dissenting, I wonder if you could analyze federal law--no actually, you sound so ignorant that I'd be surprised that you could even read it. Look up dissent in the dictionary, and try not to sound like a rebellious teenager. You are a good example of what is wrong with American
H said...
dissent-1 : to withhold assent 2 : to differ in opinion(note the definition says absolutely nothing about being immature, rude, or booing)
Anonymous said...
PRES. BUSH WAS OUT OF OFFICE AND ON AIRPLANE TO TEXAS. KATIE WAS STILL TALKING BAD ABOUT HIM AND THE JOB HE DID. I WAS NO LOVER OF PRES. BUSH, BUT KATIE NEEDS TO BE FIRED FOR THE THINGS SHE SAYS.
Anonymous said...
KC ...it's too bad you have to try and "boost" yourself by taking others down. A professional wouldn't have to do that. You may want to consider another career!
Anonymous said...
After today's coverage of the inauguration her ratings should go right back down. Anonymous said..

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Today Goes To The Ends Of The Earth Again

It worked for ratings last time. Now, NBC's Today Show goes to the Ends of the Earst again. This time... water is a big focus. The fun actually started last week with Ann Curry setting off an a trip up Mt. Kilimanjargo.

From USA Today, "This is like climbing a Stairmaster for six hours a day with 20 pounds on your back," Curry said in a telephone interview from her tent following Saturday's climb.

She's hardly an experienced climber. The last mountain she scaled was half the size, and she did it while in college, said Curry, who turns 52 on Wednesday. She learned of the assignment only three weeks ago, giving her little time to train.
Her climb is plotted out so that if she does make it to the summit, it will be shown during Friday's edition of Today.
"To be honest with you, I'm not sure I'm going to make it to the top," she said. "But all the pain and suffering is worth it because of the incredible vistas all around me."

And from a Curry post on Today Show's web site. Looking up at her, we are a humbled NBC News team, driving in a lurching safari truck from Kilimanjaro International Airport, brimming with excitement. Our mission is to report on Kilimanjaro's vanishing glaciers, expected to disappear completely as soon as 2020. And if we are successful, we will reach millions of Americans with the story in an unprecedented way. Our crew is talking nonstop about technical challenge we face in going live over five days from as many as four places on this 19,000-foot mountain. So many things could go wrong. But Bobby, Peter, Julian, Jen and Ray are jazzed, and listening to these talents, it is easy to be calm. If it can be done, they will do it.

Here's what to expect from Matt Laura, Meredith Viera and Al Roker.
--Vieira is in Australia to report on drought
--Al Roker will be in Iceland.
--Matt Lauer will be exploring Belize.

Here is more about each trip from MSNBC.com.
Meredith Vieira in the Land Down UnderMeredith, who held down the TODAY fort in New York during last year's series, will be heading to Australia this year. She will explore the vastly dry spans of land on the world's smallest, lowest and flattest continent.
As a wildly popular tourist destination, Australia offers amazing landscapes and diverse ecosystems. However, the entire continent has been facing climate issues that include rising sea levels on its coastal islands and a devastating 7-year drought. Vieira will travel to several locations in Australia to examine the country's changing climate and to learn why its lakes, rivers and reservoirs are drying up.
Vieira will visit Sydney Harbor National Park in Sydney, a city that enforces strict water restrictions for residents in response to the drought. She'll also take a look at The Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef on Earth, which is suffering from coral bleaching. Some scientists predict the reef may disappear by the year 2050 due to climate change. Vieira will also explore Australia's diverse wildlife and travel to Philip Island, home of the largest "small penguin" colony in the world.
Al Roker in the Land of Fire and Ice Iceland is known as The Land of Fire and Ice because of the volcanoes and glaciers that shape the landscape. Al will be heading to there to explore the country's diverse and extraordinary water sources. However, Iceland is currently undergoing a major transformation as its glaciers melt and weather patterns change dramatically. Roker will examine the changing climate of Iceland, and he'll also take a look at the dramatic efforts the country has made to use water as an alternative energy source.
In Iceland, water means power, literally. The country uses its waterfalls, geysers, hot springs and rivers to provide electricity and heat to the entire country through alternative hydroelectric and geothermal energies. The country boasts more than 200 volcanoes and more than 10,000 waterfalls. Roker will broadcast from Gullfoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland, and from the famous Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik, the closest capital city to the Arctic Circle.
Roker reported live from the equator last year. This year, he said, “We’re going to head to fragile yet beautiful places for an up-close look at how the planet is changing, and what those changes mean for all of us.”
Matt Lauer goes to Belize While Ann and Al shrug into their warmest coats next week, Matt will travel to Belize to explore its natural wildlife and natural wonders, including the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.
Home to only 311,500 people, Belize is best known not only for what is on its land but also for what is under its water. Home to the famous Blue Hole, Belize boasts the Western Hemisphere's longest barrier reef, containing 600 species of fish, and more than 70 types of coral. But, with a changing climate, warming waters, pollution and urban development, this fragile reef system is under threat. Lauer will examine firsthand how climate change is affecting Belize's magnificent landscape and marine life.
National parks and nature preserves make up 42 percent of Belize. Lauer will broadcast from the Blue Hole, where he will also scuba dive along its reef and swim with some of the world's largest midnight parrot fish as well as stingrays, angelfish and barracudas. He will also broadcast from the Half Moon Caye, a crescent shaped island off Belize's coast, which is home to the endangered red-footed booby birds and 97 additional species of birds. The iguana, the Wish Willy, and the lizard are also permanent residents on the magnificent island.

MORE: New York Daily News & TVWeek.com coverage.

This is a look at the last Ends of the Earth event/stunt on Today.

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Did Matt Lauer Allow Sarah Palin Off Too Easily?

Matt Lauer has been criticied for letting Sarah Palin off too easily during his interview this week. Take a look. This is the question about Palin and Katie Couric.
Here's more....




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Laura Bush To Host An Hour Of 'Today'

So how is this for stunting: First Lady Laura Bush will host the third hour of 'Today' on April 22. She is expected to be joined by her daughter Jenna.. and to promote her new book. TVNewser has some details..... So you have to wonder how 'Today' scored this deal. Was it simply a unique spin to promote the book? Perhaps... they are already searching for the co-anchor of a yet to be announced fifth hour of 'Today'. Before long, Matt Lauer and his troop of merry co-anchors can toss directly to Brian Williams. Afterall, who needs local or syndication? ((Yes, I was joking about Bush hosting a fifth hour... but one never knows.))

Check out these coverage links
MSNBC

UncleBarky (a great Texas-based site if you haven't clicked on it)

ShowBuzz

Who Would Replace Katie Couric?

Katie Couric could leave CBS after the start of the new year, according to the Wall Street Journal.. So who could replace her on the 'CBS Evening News' anchor desk? Here are some thoughts... and a gut check on his or her chances.

Harry Smith - solid but has been around CBS too long in low profiles with little notice. Good guy in a bad situation
Russ Mitchell - may be an inside-CBS favorite but he has little name appeal or major news creds.
Scott Pelley - He was a favorite during the Katie search... and may be more about the future than today. He's scored high profile reports for '60 Minutes'.
Maggie Rodriguez - She's a good addition to 'Early'... just too new to the CBS/national game.
Lester Holit - He's a solid anchor from NBC who may want to jump at a chance
Matt Lauer - He would be crazy to leave his comfy position at 'Today'
Terry Moran - He just wouldn't seem to cut it on CBS right now.
Keith Olbermann - It's risky for him and CBS for very different reasons
Anderson Cooper - "GQ News' won't cut it at CBS. The sharks would eat him alive.
David Gregory - He's positioned nicely at NBC... but this might make a good choice for the future for CBS. If CBS went this way, it would be a toss up between Pelley and Gregory though.
Wolfe Blitzer - CNN has invested so much in him. I just don't think he could connect in a newscast like viewers expect in an national network evening newscast.
Tim Russert - You might file this under the 'no way he would do it' category. But, it could bring a whole new level of credibility for the newscast. This choice could be very interesting.
Bob Scheiffer - It may have been a mistake taking him off the broadcast in the first place. But, it would be a PR disaster for CBS to bring him back... admitting one of the biggest mistakes since the short-lived Vargas and Woodruff team on ABC. The media would focus on the mistake instead of the future/product.
John Roberts - He claims to be happy with the small audience on CNN's AM. But I bet he's thinking 'If only I have hung in there."

So... who is my bet if a decision was made today?
Scott Pelley - He is the ' easy choice' for CBS right now. There is also low risk in his transition. There's not a lot of flash to this guy. If anything his reputation is squarely focused on his reporting skills. Could that be a bad thing? Pelley also allows the news division to stay focused on content instead of the media circus that will surround Couric's departure and the appointment of someone whos appointment is more about the name than the skills. Plus, Pelley may be a long-term player (as long as evening newscasts last). He doesn't appear headed to retirement anytime soon.

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Matt Lauer Interviews Murder Suspect Drew Peterseon

Matt Lauer interviewed Chicago murder suspect Drew Peterson this morning on 'Today'. New information points to another of Peterson's former wives as having been murder by drowning. Lauer is good at these interviews. He's interviewed Peterson before and conducts a lot of these "suspect" interviews. Lauer's demeanor is tough but in such a way that it's not in-your-face or threatening.

One other quick note... Lauer asked Peterson if there was anything he regretted over the last few months. "Letting Geraldo Rivera into my house" (grin).

New “Today” Show Promo With Focus On Ann Curry, “Ends of the Earth’ Series

‘Today’ has launched a new image campaign: “Why I Love Today”. The promo that aired during the Sunday edition of ‘Today’ focused on how Ann Curry and the Ends of the Earth series helped a woman save her life! To be fair, I’m not sure when the campaign launched. But as a frequent viewer of the NBC product, this is the first time I’ve really noticed “Why I Love Today’ spots.

With a music bed of ‘Why I Love Today’ underneath, a woman sitting at her dining room table says,
“As I was packing to go to Antarctica, I turned on the Today Show and Ann Curry was in Antarctica. We hit an iceberg, We were in life boats for about six hours. We had extra things because I was watching the Today and I was incredibly prepared. My name is Lisa Pizola and this is why I love Today.”

The concept of using viewers who love your news product to convince others to watch is a tried… and proven, concept. This particular promo leaves you with a bit of a “wow’ factor for the connection to ‘Ends of the Earth’. The viewer tells a good story in short time and connects a major event for ‘Today’ with the viewers. It’s a good effort that doesn’t waste valuable promotion time on silly, giggling, laughing anchors.

By the way, here's one of the reports from Curry in Antarctica.

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Who Is The Best Morning News Anchor?
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Best and Worst Morning News Anchors On NBC, ABC & CBS

Who’s the best network morning news anchor? Much has been made in the last few years about the weakened condition of the expanded ‘Today’ on NBC. ABC’s ‘Good Morning America” keeps surging and receding. The wave has stopped well short of ‘Today’ to this point. And, for more than a decade now, the pulse of the ‘Early Show’ on CBS has sputtered along like a car engine ready to collapse.

We all know that major news events drive viewers to turn on the TV remote. But which network they select to watch is difficult to explain. The heated election season or the “Ends of the Earth’ stunt in November seems to have breathed new life into ‘Today’. Others suggest viewers have finally settled in with a preference for Matt and Meredith instead of Diane and Robin. So after much thought and years of watching all three major morning shows, here are my rankings.

THE BEST
Diana Sawyer ABC, Good Morning America
Sawyer is at the top of her game! Wait, we’ve been saying that for years about this often under-appreciated anchor who’s worked at ABC and CBS. Sawyer’s passionate and extensive reporting on international issues gives GMA, and ABC as a whole, a journalistic level that no other network achieves. In fact, with the apparent decreasing importance of world news on Charlie Gibson’s ‘World News’, Sawyer’s occasional but highly promoted and insightful international reporting is among the best on all networks. She’s great with personal stories as well. As to her morning TV duties, Sawyer has a very welcoming tone and demeanor. She, like no other anchor, actually talks to you as viewer. Either she’s really communicating well or her writers have crafted copy to fit her style that she connects with most every story. There’s a big question of whether Diane will leave ABC or hope to replace Charlie Gibson if he steps down from ‘World News’ in the next few years. She and Gibson are the two biggest assets that ABC has now. The network would be well served to keep them both (and happy) for as long as they can. Oh by the way, another reviewer recently pointed out that Sawyer looks better than ever… even at 62. Agreed.

RUNNER UP
Matt Lauer NBC, Today
Lauer is the utility players for ‘Today’ who luckily escaped the unfriendly glare of the Katie Couric years. He was the right thing at the right time for ‘Today’ after the troubled Bryan Gumbel years. Now, Lauer is the glue that holds ‘Today’ together… at least the first two hours. It’s nice to see a good guy finish first. Little was made of Lauer’s contract renewal (which was not too shabby at all). His ability to grill interviewees about serious topics and then transition to the lighter fare of later segments is easy to watch. ‘Today’ already appears to be grooming David Gregory or Lester Holt for a post-Lauer era. While I really like Holt, and Gregory is growing on me, Lauer provides the ‘comfort’ that keeps bringing me back to ‘Today’.

SECOND RUNNERS-UP
Harry Smith – CBS The Early Show
It’s a shame that such a good storyteller has been buried so long on a show that can’t find success to save the executive producers’ job. On ‘Early’, he’s always caught in the muddy waters of weaker female anchors and Dave Price’s gimmicky weather segments. When Smith fills in on ‘CBS Sunday Morning’, it’s always a pleasure to watch. I hope CBS can find such a role for him in the future.
Maggie Rodriguez – CBS The Early Show
She’s the new woman in the AM block… and she’s pretty darn good. She brings a natural quality to the show that seems genuine (only people who work with her know whether that’s true). She’s a breath of fresh air for ‘Early’. Her experience in Miami may have gotten her in the door but her true tests will come as she walks viewers through major news events. To succeed, she will have to think globally and as a leader to engage and gain the confidence of viewers. Time will tell. However, I’m just not convinced that this is the TIME for ‘Early’. Rodriguez may be caught in the revolving door of the CBS morning news slot.

THE REST
Meredith Viera – NBC, Today
I really loved her on ‘The View’. Meredith could be Meredith. On ‘Today’, it’s tough for this laughing, giddy, blunt, opinionate host to become a confident, trusted, respected news anchor. With Lauer at her side, she has a great leaning post. I know ‘Today’ must be more demanding than ‘The View’. I hope she spends the time at ‘Today’ to fulfill her career desires. But, I can’t wait to watch Meredith when she moves on to a show that allows her to be Meredith all the time… not the guarded news anchor at the top of ‘Today’.
Robin Roberts – ABC, Good Morning America
We’ve come to know the very personal and passionate sides of Roberts. Her battle with cancer and her reporting after Katrina connected her to millions of viewers in a way they will never forget. She deserves great applause and support for both. She is an aggressive anchor opposite Sawyer who always managers to take control, even with a calm demeanor. Her weaknesses in taking control of a show appear when Sawyer is a way. There’s just something uneasy or clumsy when Sawyer is not present. Admittedly, that could speak more to the strength of Sawyer than a weakness of Roberts.
Julie Chen – CBS The Early Show
Whether any of us fully agrees with the reasoning for keeping her front and center of ‘Early’ for so long, there is one thing for certain. She’s managed to keep her job on a third-rated morning program when many others haven’t. But, there is a natural connection that is missing in communicating with the morning audience. She may be passionate for her career but she struggles to truly connect to content outside of adlibbed cooking segments.

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Lester Holt: I Don’t Know When This Guy Slept This Long Holiday Weekend

OK, so we all saw it happen when NBC dumped John Seiganthawler from the weekend edition of ‘NBC Nightly News.’ Lester Holt assumed the helm for the weekend editions of ‘Nightly News’ plus continues his weekend duties on versions of ‘Today.’

This weekend, Holt anchored Saturday and Sunday editions of ‘Today’, the weekend editions of ‘Nightly News’. Then Monday, he co-anchored ‘Today’ with Ann Curry and sailed solo on ‘Nightly News’ on Christmas eve. (I was traveling, so I missed Christmas morning news… and am not THAT geeky to DVR it) As I'm writing this post, Lester's opening the Christmas Day edition of 'Nightly News.' It always happens at holiday times: weekend anchors pull double even triple duty.

It's all summed up in the first graph of his NBC News bio.

Lester Holt is the weekend anchor for the flagship broadcast "NBC Nightly News," and is also the co-anchor of the weekend edition of "Today." In addition, Holt serves as fill-in anchor and correspondent for "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams" and the weekday "Today" program. He also contributes to MSNBC, NBC’s 24-hour cable news network.

In this case, it was a great chance to see one of the most stable forces on NBC News. Holt is just solid. He’s not flashy. He’s not quirky. He’s not ‘in your face.’ He’s just a solid anchor. His strength is his steady focus on delivering the news. The only thing that struck me this weekend was his seemingly endless stock of pieces from Africa. Some months ago, he traveled overseas to compile stories for ‘Today’. I’ve now seen more features from Africa than I ever thought I would on ‘Nightly’ or ‘Today’. (Perhaps NBC wants to take a little ground from ABC’s ‘World News’ which some people claim is no longer a look at what’s happening in the word today).

So where does Holt go from here? It’s hard to say. Brian Williams is in place. NBC can’t move away from that for many years to come without a great risk of a major stumble which they can certainly not afford now. Matt Lauer is the only real glue holding the ‘Today’ show together. NBC is trying desperately to groom other people in the third and fourth hours. It’s not working with the exception of Natalie Morales in my opinion. ‘Today’ needs Lauer. And, while I am a fan of Lauer’s, he needs the ‘Today’ show for a while longer to stay on top of the network news heap. He’s not a traditional evening news anchor now. He’s certainly not a fit for another CBS/ABC AM show. Prime time magazines are in trouble on NBC. About the only logical home for him could be helping to add a bit of younger flare to CBS’ ’60 Minutes’ or primetime on CNN.

That said, Holt is up the proverbial creek it seems… just a solid anchor who may have hit the ceiling for now at NBC. He would be wasted on MSNBC prime. His home is ‘the news.’ NBC would seem to have the two prime spots for males all wrapped up. It’s a shame. Holt deserves a better shot at becoming a household name

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‘I Am Legend’ With Will Smith… Matt Lauer, Katie Couric and Ann Curry

Will Smith scored a record December debut this weekend with “I Am Legend’. The film took in over $77 million, becoming the largest December opening ever and the largest opening ever for Smith. Smith portrays Robert Neville, the last living man on Earth who’s survived a plague on civilization that turned everyone else to vampires. The book by Ricard Matheson was published in 1997. Read a review of the movie from the Toledo Blade.

So what does this all have to do with the media (more specifically TV news which is often the subject of my blog posts)? As the movie opens, we’re expected to believe that the year is 2012. As the plot is set, the time frame jumps back three years to 2009. Smith sets out to find other survivors in the daytime. We find he also barricades himself in his home at night hoping to avoid the rampage of the vampires. Shortly into the movie, Smith is settling in, talking to his dog at dinner. A familiar voice echoes around his kitchen. It’s Ann Curry from NBC’s ‘Today’ show talking about a massive snow storm that hit New York. Ann is live on the plaza and stumbles through references to ’30 Rock’ no less. I’m sure she loves that producers picked a clip where she stumbled. Ann then tosses back to… you guessed it: Matt Lauer and Katie Couric. Even now as I write this, I’m wondering if I hit a time warp… or have ‘Today’ top of mind so much. In 2009, Smith is watching old tapes of the ‘Today’ show with Matt and Katie. Perhaps we are all in a time warp… and should have known that the end of the world was near. :)

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Weekend 'Today' Challenge; Jenna Wolfe, Amy Robach, Others

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Over the last several weeks, I’ve shared my opinions about NBC’s decision to go with two different female anchors for the Sunday edition of ‘Today’. Amy Robach anchors with Lester Holt on Saturday with Jenna Wolfe reading the news headlines. Sunday brings a change with Jenna Wolfe sitting beside Lester Holt on the anchor desk and a rotating roster of news readers. This all developed after Campbell Brown bolted for a yet-to-debut show on CNN.

Saturday, Robach raised her game to be even more natural (and likeable). Wolfe read two very short news segments at the top of the hours with few problems and little impact on the show. As ‘Today’ opened Sunday, I wondered what a new weekend would bring. It was the same ‘ol, same ‘ol. There was a real lack of chemistry between Holt and Wolfe. Her ability to read package introductions is OK. But she had trouble focusing an interview about the weakness of the U.S dollar. In the second half hour, the lack of chemistry slapped viewers in the face as Wolfe tried to joke about her report to come later about what to hang in holiday stockings. Joking that she was Jewish and really needed this information plus she liked expensive gifts in her stocking, Holt was left with little more than a blank look on his face. If you played the Saturday and Sunday newscasts side by side, you would see a far better chemistry and natural flow of the show with Holt and Robach.

So does that mean Wolfe should not be a part of this show? Not at all. There is something that may suit her slightly quirky demeanor, often self-sacrificing sarcasm and over the top tone. I just don’t know what that is. That’s for NBC to decide. She obviously had a great deal of success doing sports at WABC. Perhaps she’s better suited for sideline reporting and analysis on ‘Sunday Night Football’ as NBC tries to transition her into a news or infotainment host. As I think about the challenge for NBC this morning, I jump to the decision by CBS to pull Hannah Storm from her sports environment to co-host the ‘Early Show.’ Perhaps NBC thought they could strike a similar balance. Storm brought a must more experienced background and a more engaging presence though.

In the end, NBC faces a challenge of grooming future talent. It’s not easy. Someone is always there to question or provide opinions on every move of on-air talent (It’s made far more easy these days by blogging). Outside of Brian Williams, there are few success stories of ‘promoting major talent’ from within. Consider these points.
-Williams is the clear ‘success story’ of grooming from within for NBC. No doubt, someone had to replace Tom Brokaw. I don’t know whether he was brought in to NBC in 1993 with that intent, but it became clear soon that NBC was grooming him for something. It took a few years to become official.
-But, when Katie Couric left ‘Today’, NBC turned to the outside for Meredith Viera. That happened even though they had a large group of female anchors already at NBC and over at MSNBC. NBC obviously felt none of them was ready.
-How many MSNBC anchors have made a successful leap to a major position at the mothership? Lester Holt is really the only one. With NBC 2.0, he’s now fronting all NBC weekend shows. He’s just a good, solid journalist to have in the stable with Brian Williams and Matt Lauer.

NBC is not alone in trying to find future talent. The challenge here is that ‘Today’ is such a staple in many viewers’ habits. While ‘Sunday Morning’ on CBS is clearly dominant on Sundays, ‘Today’ is a much larger brand that must be successful for NBC. Any failures on the weekend can damage the larger brand. From the beginning of my posts about the weekend ‘Today’ situation, I’ve tried to emphasis that my feedback is not about Jenna Wolfe as an individual. Her situation though opens NBC News up for broader criticism about ‘Today’ anchors and decision making.
READER OPINION SURVEY - SLANTLY.COM


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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, AMY ROBACH, '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'
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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 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!



WHILE YOU'RE HERE....

Jenna Wolfe & 'Weekend Today': Is OK Enough?

I have to admit I am now drawn to watching ‘Weekend Today’ to see how, or if, Jenna Wolfe can find a rhythm in co-anchoring Sunday mornings. This was not the weekend for that.

THERE ARE MORE THAN 30 WOLFE-ROBACH POSTS. SEARCH FOR THEM ALL BY ENTERING THE NAME IN THE SEARCH BOX IN THE UPPER LEFT CORNER OF THE PAGE

It struck me as Lester Holt tossed to Mika Brezinski for the news that other, better qualified and perhaps even more attractive females inside NBC have to wonder why they have not gotten a shot at anchoring this show. I’m not a huge fan of Mika, especially her performance on ‘Morning Joe’, but she is confident and more than competent. Take your pick of any number of other female anchors at MSNBC or even local O&O main anchors who would bring a higher news standard to anchoring.

Jenna’s performance was not bad this morning. Her Q&A with the ‘Rock the Vote’ executive was just OK. She was reading her questions though. I was a little confused with the flight simulation story. Was the goal to inform viewers about what Richard Branson was doing and to show the training? Or, was the goal to show Jenna is a much more relaxed and natural environment? The attempt at doing both… caused both to fail. See the piece where (which also aired on the week day version of 'Today') The toy drive bit with Jockey’s donation was just an inexperienced anchor being unaware… so much so that Lester asked her on camera, “Are you going to join us here?” It’s a network show with simple formatting. The close of the show was awkward when she re-introduced herself. In the end, today was not a bad performance. It was just OK. Can NBC really afford OK? With ABC poised for greater success (only on the shoulders of Charlie Gibson and Diane Sawyer) and CBS sure to find better ground soon, the answer for NBC sadly is... no, they can not afford "OK" performances.

I know blogs and web posts about Jenna really take her to task. This should not be about her personally. If most people were given the chance to anchor this show, we all would do it. The focus should be on NBC’s decision making. My continuing theme is simple. NBC News is in trouble and growing weaker month by month. It is no longer the solid news operation that had Tom Brokaw as its lead. It’s stable of talent is weaker than the Brokaw era (outside of Matt Lauer, Lisa Myers, David Gregory and several other journalists). Putting people in anchor positions and ‘allowing them to grow’ is a dangerous road to take. NBC is in need of focus on quality and direction. Distractions will hurt exponentially.
READER OPINION SURVEY - SLANTLY.COM


ADD YOUR COMMENT BELOW
READ OTHER USERS COMMENTS
Comment List 1
Comment List 2
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"
WATCH MORE YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

SPECIAL YOUTUBE ARCHIVE VIDEO If you read my previous posts about 'Weekend Today' you know I mentioned the solid content built around Garrick Utley and Mary Alice Williams (and also Maria Shriver) in the early years of the show. Take a look at this 1989 show open that involves a very familiar face filling in for Shriver who was on maternity leave.


>-----
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!

TODAY: Ends of the Earth Review

**Scroll Down to See Brian Williams, Barack Obama SNL Post**

There was an interesting start to 'Today's live-event Ends of the Earth. Beautfiul scenery and a potential to really explain why the world is warming at an alarming rate helped. As the show opened, the traditional scene-setters helped establish a presence. But, a better summary could have come in atleast one taped-piece from Lauer near the top of the show, instead of Anne Curry and Al Roker stumbling through scripted voiceover content. :45 to 1:00 with a focus on why the issue of global warming is so important to us would have helped set the stage for the entire broadcast.

TODAY: Ends of the Earth

**Scroll down for the Brian Williams, SNL, Barack Obama post**

Monday, the 'Today' show goes to the Ends of the Earth (no, they say, it's not a ratings stunt) with Anne Curry in Antarctica, Al Roker at the Equator and Matt Laurer in Greenland. Read More from Today (special note, you'll have to scroll down, their web page is not loading correctly)...
*You would think that with such a heavily promoted 'Today' special, the folks at 'Good Morning America' would have thier own 'big news' for Monday. You won't find it on their website. In fact, you won't find any promotion to Monday's show on the site...
*Out of curiousity I checked the "Early Show' site (disclosure here.. I have not watched this show since I left the CBS station where I was news director). Little has changed. There IS a promotion for Monday. Monday, Nov. 5: Legendary opera star Andrea Bocelli will be performing live. If you're in the tri-state area and would like to attend, please join us at our studio, Fifth Avenue and 59th St. at 7:15. HUH? First, "tri-state" area? Are they producing for New York or the rest of us across the country too? Tourist who visit and want to stop by would NEVER describe New York as 'tri-state." Secondly, Monday's promo is under a promo for yesterday's 'Early Show' (as of this writing). We're all short staffed on the weekend but out dated promos online are a pet peeve of mine! Can someone yank it off from home then? LOL

CHECK OUT OTHER POPULAR POSTS
Barack Obama, Brian Williams SNL Surprise
Colbert: Stop the Madness
Dallas TV Reporter Victim of Pressure

QUICK NOTE: NBC O&O TV stations have changed the header of their websites to include 'Green is Universal.' Take a look at NBC4 in DC. While all NBC O&O websites have changed their headers, there has not been a change at MSNBC.com, NBCNews.com or even Today's website. Speaking of 'Today', Matt Lauer talks about the stunt next week.Let the Green effort begin!

Finally.. Substance Over Stunts On ‘Today’?

The big announcement from the ‘Today’ team was live broadcasts from Antarctica, the equator and the Arctic in which they will no doubt look at environmental issues such as global warning. Read more here.

I found an interesting quote from Matt Lauer, who’s “Where in the world is Matt Lauer?’ stunts have grown a bit stale after 9 journeys. "This is all about the content. Where In the World is an adventure, but this is serious," said Lauer. It’s nice that at least Lauer is realizing that huge investments of time and money are better spent toward substance than stunts. Sure, it’s a stunt to broadcast live from the top, middle and bottom of the globe. But, it’s refreshing to hear, at least Lauer, realize that substance is priority.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I was a life-long ‘Today’ viewer until it went soft. The light and fluffy news replaced the serious look at the morning’s news as I started my day. I have found myself drifting back to ‘Today’ in search of substance. A comment like that from Lauer is really only a small drop into the ocean of fluff taking over news. I can hope, can’t I?

It’s ‘Today’s Week!

Matt Lauer will interview Larry Craig next Tuesday for a prime-time special (and no doubt played endlessly on the 4 hours of ‘Today’).
That will come a day after Lauer broadcasts from Chicago with an interview of Joan Lefkow, the federal judge whose husband and mother were murdered in 2005
Then Meredith Viera will interview Valerie Plame Wilson on October 22. Wilson is the former CIA agent whose identity was revealed by columnist Robert Novak, which led to the conviction of Scooter Libby.

The ‘Today’ show bookers are working overtime for ‘gets.’ I think for a while ‘Today’ became too light even in its first half hour. Recently I’ve started shifting between ‘Today’ and ‘GMA” (I love Diane but the rest of the team hasn’t clicked for me). At least in the first half hour, Matt and Meredith get to the news now. When I switched stations about six months ago to ‘GMA’, they spent way to much time laughing and joking. If ‘Today’ gets back to its roots of serious, relevant news, it will stay on top for a long time to come (even beyond its dominant 616 weeks already).

MSNBC Re-broadcast of the 9/11 Attacks

Before MSNBC aired NBC coverage of 9/11 from six years ago, I was flatly against it. We really don’t need to relive the horrible tragedy from that morning. We all remember the shivers that rippled down our spines that morning. Shock. Fear. Anger. Worry. Confusion. The morning of 9/11 will be forever etched in our memories.

But as I sit watching now (almost two hours into the coverage), I think this video tape of the event that morning is something we all should see. Every single second is chilling. Every single development, minute by minute, still creates that disbelief and anger that welled up in America that morning.
As another anniversary passes and as we prepare for a change in national leadership at the end of 2008, I think it’s tremendously important that our generation stays centered on how and why 9/11 happened. It can never happen to this country in our generation again. If we think we have troubles now, I can’t imagine how difficult and how in disarray this country would be if we, and our government, don’t prevent this from happening again.

I was working in local TV in Atlanta that day. I would never pretend to critique anyone’s coverage of that event. However, watching this MSNBC presentation reminds me of how reliant we all were on Katie Couric, Matt Lauer and Tom Brokaw on NBC and the leaders on all of the other networks. We needed their strength in very difficult times. It is a lesson that every local and network TV person should learn.