Lauer-Couric Feud Still Going Strong
New reports about NBC�s sputtering "Today" show confirm what NewsMax.com readers have known for a long time � the program�s co-hosts Katie Couric and Matt Lauer are locked in a bitter feud.
As long ago as November 2003, we reported that a "civil war" was brewing between the two stars, and revealed: "Things are not so happy at the morning show.
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"Katie doesn�t like Matt. Despite her TV persona, our source describes Katie as 'mean. This lady can be vicious and stomp you out like a bug.'"
Then in February 2004, NewsMax.com disclosed that Couric "has pitched NBC into a 'storm watch' with vicious infighting that threatens the success of the entire network.
"She is reportedly angry that [Lauer's] interviews are overshadowing her role."
And this past May 17, we reported that the "Today" show's lead over its ABC rival, "Good Morning America" � which in recent years has been as much as 2 million viewers � had dwindled to 70,000 in the previous week.
NewsMax.com reported, "Couric's reputation as a liberal diva hasn't washed well with the public, and may be the real cause behind the show's woes."
Now NBC network chief Jeff Zucker has conceded that the program has lost its innovative edge.
Despite the problems, Couric is said to be angling for a sharp pay raise when she signs a new contract next year � $20 million a year, up from a reported $15 million.
But reports continue to circulate that Couric and Lauer are at odds. Even the National Enquirer reports that Couric and Lauer have "a strained off-screen relationship." Lauer "is fed up with Couric's diva antics � and he may walk if she signs a new contract," according to the paper.
The Enquirer quotes a "Today" show source as saying: "Katie�s become almost insufferable since she became one of the highest-paid women in show business. Her ego became over-inflated."
But Couric could be in for a shock when she sits down with the network to hammer out a new deal.
Due to the narrowing gap between "Today" and its ABC rival, "there's no way her agent cans say she's worth as much as she was for her last contract," said network-news analyst Andrew Tyndall, publisher of the weekly Tyndall Report.
"NBC is entitled to ask her to take a pay cut."
As long ago as November 2003, we reported that a "civil war" was brewing between the two stars, and revealed: "Things are not so happy at the morning show.
Story Continues Below
"Katie doesn�t like Matt. Despite her TV persona, our source describes Katie as 'mean. This lady can be vicious and stomp you out like a bug.'"
Then in February 2004, NewsMax.com disclosed that Couric "has pitched NBC into a 'storm watch' with vicious infighting that threatens the success of the entire network.
"She is reportedly angry that [Lauer's] interviews are overshadowing her role."
And this past May 17, we reported that the "Today" show's lead over its ABC rival, "Good Morning America" � which in recent years has been as much as 2 million viewers � had dwindled to 70,000 in the previous week.
NewsMax.com reported, "Couric's reputation as a liberal diva hasn't washed well with the public, and may be the real cause behind the show's woes."
Now NBC network chief Jeff Zucker has conceded that the program has lost its innovative edge.
Despite the problems, Couric is said to be angling for a sharp pay raise when she signs a new contract next year � $20 million a year, up from a reported $15 million.
But reports continue to circulate that Couric and Lauer are at odds. Even the National Enquirer reports that Couric and Lauer have "a strained off-screen relationship." Lauer "is fed up with Couric's diva antics � and he may walk if she signs a new contract," according to the paper.
The Enquirer quotes a "Today" show source as saying: "Katie�s become almost insufferable since she became one of the highest-paid women in show business. Her ego became over-inflated."
But Couric could be in for a shock when she sits down with the network to hammer out a new deal.
Due to the narrowing gap between "Today" and its ABC rival, "there's no way her agent cans say she's worth as much as she was for her last contract," said network-news analyst Andrew Tyndall, publisher of the weekly Tyndall Report.
"NBC is entitled to ask her to take a pay cut."
posted by Scott Fish at 4:05 PM
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