On Howard Stern‘s radio show this morning “Today” show anchor Matt Lauer talked about what newspapers he reads on his way into work.
Lauer mentioned the New York Times and either the New York Post or Daily News. Lauer, of course, was a key figure in New York Times reporter Brian Stelter‘s book ‘Top of the Morning’ which documents the morning show wars. The first third of the book is about the long rise and turbulent fall during the last year at “Today.”
So what does Lauer think of the Times:
Lauer: Well, you know what, I think it’s still a great newspaper. I think that in my personal opinion – we always deal with these things based on how they have treated you personally, and I think there has been a little erosion in some areas as of late. Overall are they still a great newspaper, as is the Wall Street Journal, which I also read in the morning?
Stern: You mean the way the New York Times treats you is going to, sort of —
Lauer: Not only me personally, but the show, the industry, the way they cover television. If I think it’s unfair, if I think at times it’s been a little lazy, then it absolutely affects my opinion.
Stern: Will you ever call someone at the the New York Times and say ‘I think you’ve been lazy in this area’?
Lauer: No, no, no. I don’t call back people – I’m not a complainer, that’s not what I do.
Stern started the conversation by asking Lauer if he likes to read. Lauer responds, “I love to read, although I’ll be honest with you: because I have to read so much for work I’ve lost a little bit of the love of reading for pleasure. I think that’s something I’m going to really dive into when I’m not doing this job anymore.”