NBC Looks to make Changes at 9AM Today
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Wasn't long ago that NBC's Today Show was taking on water fast and dropping quickly in the ratings.
But NBC was able to right the ship, mainly by weakening the competition. NBC hired away Sam Champion and Josh Elliott from Good Morning America and basically creator both their careers in doing so.
But, that and some tweaks at Today and the show is back on the straight and narrow, at least from 7 to 9AM.
Variety says that NBC is now putting their focus on the 9AM hour of Today and maybe looking to make some changes.
Variety writes that one idea being considered would tweak the format of that hour to make it lighter in tone and compete more directly with its rivals, which include ABC’s syndicated powerhouse “Live! With Kelly and Michael.” Discussions among producers and talent are said to be “collaborative,” according to one person familiar with the program.
If that shift were to happen, some members of the hour’s current on-air crew, which consists of Natalie Morales, Al Roker, Willie Geist and Tamron Hall, might not feel the new environment plays to individual strengths, and could consider moving off that part of “Today,” two of these people said. Billy Bush, a popular anchor associated with NBCUniversal’s syndicated “Access Hollywood,” is under strong consideration to join the”Today” crew once his current contract with “Access” is complete, three of these people said.
Could the Today Show staffers leave? Variety writes that there is always the possibility that rivals might use any change to try and woo the Today Show talent. At least one NBC competitor has expressed interest in talking to Morales should she choose to seek new options, according to two people familiar with the matter.
Hmmmmm? Sounds more like Morales' agent is planting the idea in in Variety's head.
Stay tuned.....
