There’ll be little summer vacation for NBC’s Today show. But while producers put together the Summer Concert Series and plan for Beijing Olympics coverage, EP Jim Bell is still talking about the show’s past two weeks, which featured the Access Granted series and the ninth “Where in the World.”
“I’m proud to see the franchise alive and as vibrant as ever,” Bell told TVNewser in an interview this afternoon. “I thought you could make a pretty compelling case that this was the best year ‘Where in the World’ ever had. It is a testament to [Matt Lauer] and the production crew. They did a phenomenal job and we’re overjoyed with the results.”
Bell also noted the evolution of the series, which now includes segments into the third hour of the Today show as well as clues and games online.
Despite being the second-lowest rated “Where in the World” week, the Lauer travelogue saw its biggest increase over its season-to-date average since 2002 and the biggest lead over second place-Good Morning America in Total Viewers and the A25-54 demo since 2004.
Bell revealed what’s next for the Today show, in a “dangerous” series beginning next week. Yes, it’s still sweeps.
Next week begins a series on the world’s most dangerous jobs, with a different Today show anchor experiencing one of the occupations each day. In a segment already recorded, Lauer tries his luck as a rodeo clown. Although Bell wouldn’t reveal what Ann Curry will be attempting, her segment (much like last fall’s bungee jump) will be live.
But before the danger begins, it’s time for some of “the right stuff.” This Friday, the New Kids on the Block reunite as part of the Summer Concert Series. “It’s something that, out in restaurants, hallways, I hear people talking about it,” Bell said. “It’s exciting — it will be a fun place to be on Friday morning in the summer. This is one that got a lot of anticipatory buzz.”
In August, “the whole gang” will be out in Beijing for the Olympics. Bell sees the time difference as helpful for the Today show. “We’ll be on at 7pm, meaning hopefully we’ll have gold medal winners that will have won medals in the morning and be live on the Today show,” he said.
The human rights aspect to the Olympic coverage may come into play as well. “It is a difficult question to answer, but if there’s news to cover we’ll cover it,” said Bell.
One segment not on the immediate horizon for the Today show is an interview with former Today show anchor (and current book-promoter) Barbara Walters. “I’m not sure what’s left to be said,” Bell says. “She’s a longtime anchor and highly respected. We always welcome Barbara on the Today show,” said Bell. “Maybe when it’s in paperback.”
• Earlier: “So What Do You Do, Jim Bell?”