In the nearly 66-year history of NBC’s “Today,” the program that invented morning television, all of its stars have been considered part of an extended family. Lauer’s departure could have far-reaching reverberations — not just for NBC and “Today,” but for morning television, which has started to see its audience and influence erode after decades of dominance. But along with the decline in viewers, the loss of Lauer means morning TV will be without one of its most recognizable faces. One reason Lauer stayed at “Today” for so long is that the morning anchor job has maintained its high profile in the culture while broadcast TV ratings have faded. Morning show producers say he was better than any other male host at alternating between serious, hard-news interviews and the soft features and stunts required by morning TV.

Source: Los Angeles Times November 30, 2017 01:20 UTC