NBC has released several statements about Katie Couric‘s departure from Today. Here’s what Jeff Zucker says:
“When Katie and I first teamed up on the ‘Today’ show 15 years ago this week, I never would have dreamed that we would be lucky enough to have her on the program as long as we have, and that she would become the longest serving co-anchor of the program in its history. But there comes a time for everyone, when new challenges become hard to resist, and I fully understand that. I couldn’t be happier for Katie. On behalf of everyone at NBC Universal, I want to thank her for what she’s given not only to ‘Today’ but also to this entire network, in her 19 years here. Moreover, she has made an impact that reaches well beyond television, touching the lives of countless individuals in her tireless crusade against colon cancer. She is one of a kind, and she will be missed.”
Statements from Bob Wright and Matt Lauer are after the jump…
STATEMENT FROM BOB WRIGHT,
VICE CHAIRMAN AND EXECUTIVE OFFICER, GE, and CHAIRMAN AND CEO, NBC UNIVERSAL
Katie Couric has had an immensely positive impact both on this company and on the public at large. Her extraordinary work as a journalist and an advocate for critical health issues has made a difference in the lives of millions of viewers. I’ve been fortunate to call Katie a friend and a colleague, and I can’t thank her enough for what she has brought to NBC.
STATEMENT FROM MATT LAUER
ON KATIE COURIC’S DEPARTURE FROM “TODAY”
Clearly there are a lot of mixed emotions about this announcement on my part. On the one hand, I’m thrilled for Katie, who is one of the most talented people in the business, and I know this was a challenge she felt she couldn’t pass up. On the other hand, it means the end of a long and wonderful partnership. Over the last 10 years we’ve shared incredible high and lows, and have been at each other’s side for all of the major events in the world and in our personal lives. Most of all, though, she has made me laugh and enjoy coming to work day in and day out, and that’s what we’ll all miss the most.