Is Matt Lauer Leaving The "Today" Show?

            Matt Lauer, co-anchor on NBC’s hit morning program, “Today”, is reportedly resigning from the show when his contract ends on December 31, 2012. News of Lauer’s departure surfaced on Wednesday, April 6, one day after the news broke that his co-anchor, Meredith Vieira, also plans to leave the show after her contract is up this September. Both Lauer and Vieira have become fan favorites on “Today”, adding to its success in remaining the number one morning program on television for over 15 years, and a primary source of profit for NBC.

There has been much speculation surrounding the future of the show without its winning lineup. With Lauer and Vieira both leaving around the same time, there is a great possibility that such a void will disrupt the longstanding success of the show, leaving NBC in a problematic situation.  Rumors have already circulated surrounding replacement hosts, naming “Today’s” Ann Curry as the main contender. The “Today” show released a statement on Wednesday saying, “There seems to be an awful lot of speculation around news anchors these days, and it's not our practice to comment on any of it. Matt Lauer has a long term contract with NBC News and ‘Today.’” The network has declined to comment any further on the rumors. This is a smart decision for NBC, allowing them ample time to try and renegotiate with Lauer and Vieira, or take the necessary measures needed to prepare for the possible “Today” transition.

Bret Michaels Sues CBS & Tony Awards for Head Injury

         Brett Michaels, lead singer of the rock band Poison, recently filed a lawsuit against CBS and Tony Awards Production, for an on-stage injury he received at the 2009 ceremony. Following his performance, Michaels was struck in the head by a descending piece of scenery and had to be hospitalized for a broken nose and cut lip. In the suit he is seeking unspecified damages, alleging the mishap was a result of negligence from the show’s producers who failed to provide proper direction. According to E!, the lawsuit states, “Michaels specifically asked for instructions regarding how to exit after his performance and was just told to walk off the rear of the stage -- in what was ultimately the danger zone." Six months after the accident, the singer suffered a near fatal brain hemorrhage and claims that it is directly related to the injuries he sustained at the Tony Awards.

         Surprisingly, CBS and the Tony Awards have yet to make any public statements in regards to the lawsuit. With his injury at the Tony Awards caught on camera, along with his brain hemorrhage receiving such widespread publicity, many people are aware of the recent unfortunate events Michaels has endured, and sympathize with the singer. By CBS and the Tony Awards choosing not to comment or accept any responsibility in the matter, I believe it can be interpreted as lacking sympathy for Michaels near death experience. Their silence also makes it easy for the public to assume they are keeping quiet out of guilt.