As “Today” sinks in the ratings, Matt Lauer has become an “anchor animal” behind the scenes, NBC sources say, adding that he’s taken control of the show and berates staff who are no longer allowed to even mention rival “Good Morning America” around him.
Sources tell us that fired-up Lauer recently inserted himself into all key decisions on “Today,” and is basically executive-producing the show himself while telling staff they’re not trying hard enough.
“Matt’s turned into an anchor animal,” said a network source. “He’s making all editorial decisions, he’s running the show and he’s not listening to anyone . . . it’s a huge problem.”
Preliminary ratings reveal that “GMA” is primed to win a third consecutive week against once-dominant “Today,” and such numbers, sources say, are driving Matt mad.
“He has gone so crazy about ratings that staff on ‘Today’ are not even allowed to mention ‘GMA’ to him,” a source says. “In the past, they’d discuss great segments other shows do. Matt’s berating the staff, telling them to work harder.”
Another insider says, “Matt’s telling the staff they don’t work hard enough, which is hard to take from a guy working four days a week, making millions.”
But a source close to Lauer counters, “Matt is the biggest advocate for the ‘Today’ show staff, and we feel comfortable talking to him about anything.” The source added Lauer’s been reaching out to staffers to come to him and share ideas.
Lauer and executive producer Jim Bell have been “meeting to discuss issues with the show and how to fix it,” we’re told.
Meanwhile, there are ongoing discussions for “Morning Joe” co-host Willie Geist to join “Today” from MSNBC, and we hear that Izzy Povich, exec producer of “The Last Word With Lawrence O’Donnell,” could also be joining “Today.”
When asked to comment, Lauer told us: “Please print this story — it’s the most interesting and dangerous I’ve ever sounded!” Bell added, “By the way, I’m the producer of the ‘Today’ show.”