Matt Lauer, in a recent press conference promoting Vieira's arrival to 'Today,' expressed no interest to follow Couric's giant footsteps to primetime. According to the AP, Lauer insisted that the diversity of the morning show set-up perfectly complements his journalistic range. Within the upcoming week, viewers will see Lauer's interviews with President Bush and Debra Lafave, a middle school teacher who admittedly had sex with a 14-year-old student.
Even if Lauer did dream of primetime fame, he is contractually fettered to the morning news world. NBC News announced this spring that Lauer's contract, with a salary between $13 million and $15 million, will keep him on 'Today' until 2011.
Evidently the tabloid-goading digital enhancements and the $600 shoes (hidden behind regal news desks) of the primetime world are just not for the humble Lauer.
