The internal politics and constant discord behind the scenes at NBC's Today have become almost as big of a story as anything reported on camera. NBC has spent the last two years scrambling to try and reclaim its former top spot in the morning ratings war. In September, Jamie Horowitz started to observe Today's daily show so that by December new changes could be implemented at his request. A few weeks ago, he gave a five-hour presentation to NBC News head Deborah Furness, and in the end Horowitz was out of a job instead of anyone else.
News leaked out recently that Natalie Morales and Willie Geist had been fired by NBC, and while those reports were later discredited, that is exactly part of what Horowitz had in mind. He also wanted Matt Lauer's co-host, Savannah Guthrie, let go to make room for Hoda Kotb instead, and if you are a fan of Al Roker, then you would have been out of luck because Horowitz would have fired him as well.
When Furness realized that Horowitz wanted to totally change the face of Today, all at once she realized he was not at all the man for the job and officially fired him. Furness believes the players are just fine — it is their playbook that could use a little work, and some tweaks would likely get former viewers to tune back in.
Can you imagine if NBC had cleaned house on such a grand scale? Morning news shows are ultimately part of people's routine. It is a comfort waking up with your favorites each day. If a show replaces nearly everyone all at once, then rather than people staying tuned it, suddenly it feels like a totally different show, so they might actually be more inclined to turn the dial.
Would you have tuned in to Today if Horowitz's plan was actually put into effect? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
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