For Today Show’s Newsreader, May Sweeps Stunt is News To Her

By Chris Ariens 

Yesterday NBC’s Ann Curry Tweeted about her hectic schedule:

All the time people say, hey how are you doing? My honest answer these days is, “I really have no idea.” Too much too fast is a blur, …

Well, this morning on the Today show, Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, and Al Roker had some news for the newsreader about an upcoming May sweeps stunt.

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Matt: We’ll do something involving the four of us this time.

Meredith: We’re calling it “Today Takes a Vacation.” We’ll fill you on where we’re headed in the coming weeks. It’s bonding.

Matt: It is bonding. Maybe too much bonding, but we don’t know.

Meredith: The fun kicks off on May 4th.

Al: All right.

Matt: Meanwhile, let’s go inside. The fourth member of this traveling party is standing by at the news desk.

Ann: You know this is the first I’ve heard of it, so, really, thank you!

Al: Surprise!

“Today Takes a Vacation” will replace the popular “Where in the World is Matt Lauer?” which will return for its 10th excursion when the economy gets better and daily jaunts to global spots appear less off-putting to viewers.

The press release is after the jump…


Matt, Meredith, Al and Ann Hit the Road Together for an All-American Excursion

Five-Day Series Begins Monday, May 4, 2009

NEW YORK – March 13, 2009 – For one week this May, America’s first TV family will be spending more than just their mornings together. Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, Al Roker and Ann Curry will pack their bags and head to some of America’s most beautiful destinations. “Today Takes a Vacation,” a five-day series, begins Monday, May 4.

During the trip, the four “Today” anchors will take a new look at customary traditional vacations, and bring viewers on an affordable, hassle-free trip. They will explore the down-home beauty of the United States and partake in accessible vacation activities in each location.

Additionally, “Today” will postpone its popular series, “Where in the World is Matt Lauer.” Over the past several weeks, “Today” has asked viewers to suggest locations for Lauer to travel during his trip this year. In an overwhelming response, viewers recommended local destinations. “Today” took its viewers suggestions to heart and created “Today Takes a Vacation,” focusing on some of the incredible places the United States has to offer.

“Today Takes a Vacation” will mark the third time all four anchors have traveled together. The first group trip was a winter break in Feruary 2008 to Sugarbush Vermont and Miami Beach, and the second trip was the unforgettable 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“Today Takes a Vacation” is sponsored by Expedia.com. “We are proud to sponsor the ‘Today’ show’s all-American trip and hope their travels to some of America’s most beautiful destinations will inspire viewers as they plan their own trips this year. Expedia.com is helping make travel even more affordable this spring by waiving booking fees on all flights and offering free nights at hundreds of hotels across America,” said VP of Brand Marketing, Paul Leonard.

Expedia.com® is the world’s leading online travel provider, helping millions of travelers per month easily plan and book travel. Expedia.com (http://www.expedia.com and 1-800-EXPEDIA) aims to provide personalized service, the latest technology and the widest selection of vacation packages, flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises and in-destination activities, attractions, and services. With the Expedia® Best Price Guarantee, Expedia.com promises to offer to its customers the best rates available online for all types of travel, making it the most comprehensive customer guarantee in online travel. Expedia is dedicated to positively impacting global tourism by providing travelers environmentally conscious travel options. Expedia is a founding member of the World Heritage Alliance – a joint initiative with the United Nations Foundation to promote sustainable tourism. Expedia.com is an operating company of Expedia, Inc.

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