Former “Today” executive producer Jim Bell was given a send-off at the show’s holiday party at the Gallery at Dream Downtown yesterday. Bell, who moved to NBC Sports this week, enjoyed a video tribute by Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie
, Bob Costas, Ryan Seacrest and former “Today” host Meredith Vieira (who interviewed Bell’s sons). Willie Geist, Jenna Bush
Hager, Jenna Wolfe, Lester Holt and Hoda Kotb attended. Notably absent was former co-host Ann Curry. Sources said she was invited but away working for “Rock Center.” Kathie Lee Gifford was also traveling. Lauer acknowledged a tough year, in which the show’s ratings fell behind ABC’s “GMA,” but he praised the team. Perhaps inspired, staffers did a conga line led by Natalie Morales to Carly Ray Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe.”
Ring in ‘Today’ holiday
