Thaindian News

Los Angeles, April 22 (THAINDIAN NEWS) The executive producer of NBC’s “Today” show has described as ‘ludicrous’ reports that Matt Lauer will be leaving the show at the end of 2012. Jim Bell was speaking with Hollywood Reporter ahead of the show’s 800th week anniversary.

The “Today” show is obviously one of the most successful television shows in the United States. The show has been running for almost 60 years now. Coincidentally, the 800th week of the show will also be the 5th year since Bell became the boss of the show.

During the interview, Bell admitted that Meredith Vieira’s future has not been secured with the show. Vieira’s contract with the show runs out in September and there have been reports that she will not renew it. Bell revealed that negotiations were still ongoing saying he hoped that Vieira would eventually extend her stay with the show.

When he was asked about reports that Lauer will leave the show after 2012, Bell said two years is a long time and as such didn’t want to talk about it.

He said, “Absolutely not. I think that one is more ludicrous. When we’re talking about something that is almost two years away, it’s silly speculation.”