TV Hot Spot: News

'Today' Gets Longer

Post by: Sal

On the chance that three hours of "Today" each morning isn't enough for viewers, NBC is embarking on an expansion of its morning show.

Starting in September, the show will expand to four hours, stretching the top-rated and highly profitable show into the late morning. NBC made the formal announcement Wednesday at its press tour sessions, confirming a number of reports about the extra hour.

"The success of the 'Today' show has been remarkable throughout its history, and the program has never been in a better position than it is right now," NBC News president Steve Capus says. "This is a tribute to all the dedicated hard work of Matt [Lauer], Meredith [Vieira], Al [Roker], Ann [Curry] and the entire behind the scenes team. You can't do this with a program that isn't a powerhouse -- and that is exactly what we have at 'Today.'"

Capus says a decision on who will anchor the fourth hour of the show hasn't been made yet. Vieira, because of her contract as host of the syndicated "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," doesn't appear on "Today" after 9 a.m. Capus and "Today" executive producer Jim Bell say they'll announce the on-air talent for the hour closer to its start date.

NBC will also have to get affiliates to carry the additional hour; Capus and Bell say they're hopeful at least half of NBC's stations will take the fourth hour of "Today" when it launches.