‘Today’ Heads to Paris Olympics for Morning-Show Gymnastics

As a seasoned movie reviewer with a deep appreciation for both sports and morning news, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and nostalgia upon learning that Hoda Kotb will be bringing her signature energy and enthusiasm to NBC’s coverage of the Paris Olympics. Having grown up watching Hoda co-anchor the “Today” show and admiring her ability to bring joy and positivity to viewers’ mornings, I can’t wait to see her in action at the world’s biggest sporting event.


As a movie buff, I’d put it like this: When I settle down to watch the Paris Olympics on NBC later this week, I’m excitedly anticipating seeing stars like Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, Sha’Carri Richardson, and LeBron James in action. And who knows, I might even catch a glimpse of Hoda Kotb gracing our screens once more.

NBC intends to include a “Hoda-cam” in its coverage of the 2024 Games. This means viewers may get glimpses of Kotb cheering on the U.S. women’s gymnastics team, whom she is fond of, and engaging with the families of potential Olympians.

Last week, the “Today” show co-host discovered about the latest addition to the program alongside her colleagues Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, and Al Roker, plus a reporter from EbMaster. They all gathered with “Today” producers to discuss the team’s strategies for reporting on the 2024 Olympics. NBC holds the exclusive U.S rights to broadcast the event as part of an agreement lasting until 2032.

Her surprise was palpable. “Whaaaat?” asked Kotb, using one of her signature phrases.

Traveling to Paris with “Today” isn’t just about morning news headlines. The Olympics provide an exciting boost for TV networks in their constant competition for A.M. viewers. As NBC holds the broadcast rights for the Paris Games, they can offer exclusive Olympic clips, highlights, and winner interviews. Consequently, shows like “Good Morning America” on ABC and “CBS Mornings” on CBS are left out. According to Libby Leist, executive vice president of NBC News overseeing the morning franchise, this advantage enables “Today” to attract younger audiences. Leist adds that the unpredictability of sports makes it appealing. We’re here to cover the unexpected developments and keep viewers engaged.

At the Olympics this year, “Today” is trying something new: they’re sending a social media producer for the first time. The aim is to make Guthrie, Kotb, and others popular on Instagram and TikTok, in addition to TV viewers. A significant number of people are expected to watch the Olympics through various platforms, so NBC producers are all working towards reaching diverse audiences using multiple methods. One innovative approach is the “Hoda-cam,” which is a new concept.

During the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, “GMA” on ABC became the most-watched morning program for the first time since the week of February 7, 1992. However, this achievement did not guarantee success for that particular broadcast.

More recently, NBC’s production of the U.S. Olympics has faced criticism following some less-than-stellar telecasts from Asian Games. Unfortunately, the 2021 Tokyo Olympics took place when families were unable to attend in person due to the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, the unusual timing of competitions at past sites like Beijing and PyeongChang made it challenging for American viewers to catch live broadcasts during normal viewing hours.

Currently, there’s a belief at NBC and its corporate parent, Comcast, that the Olympics will experience positive changes. The Paris organizers plan to stage the Games near iconic sites, such as an opening ceremony along the Seine river. Additionally, spectators from families are anticipated to return to the stadiums.

Today, ABC’s “Good Morning America” still reigns as the most popular morning news program in the US. However, it has recently lost some of its desirable viewers, specifically those aged 25 to 54, who are favored by advertisers. CBS, which was previously third place, is now attracting some of these viewers. On the other hand, CNN has abandoned its efforts to compete in the morning news wars and no longer attempts to produce a traditional morning show. Instead, they have opted for a political program anchored by Kasie Hunt that airs from Washington D.C.

The Olympic feat for “Today” will be to lure younger viewers to its host quartet interacting at the Eiffel Tower, where they will share a studio with NBC Sports, and to generate buzz they interact with athletes and visit various Paris attractions. Celebrity chef Ina Garten is likely to turn up to help some of the hosts navigate Paris attractions.

Every morning at the Games offers an opportunity for a recap of the previous day’s events, with some unexpected twists according to Guthrie. In essence, if an athlete won gold the previous night, they will likely appear on our show first thing in the morning, right after stepping off the medal podium. It’s a unique moment where we embody the spirit of Team USA; there’s no need to conceal our national pride or delight in witnessing our athletes’ triumphs.

Roker plans to explore hidden bars in Paris and the famous Moulin Rouge. He describes the experience as reminiscent of summer camp, having reported from the Olympics continuously since Calgary’s hosting in 1988.

Melvin puts in an extraordinary effort on camera, working tirelessly during the two-hour “Today” broadcast every morning (afternoon in France). He also contributes several hours following the show, frequently collaborating with Rebecca Lowe, the host of NBC’s Premier League coverage. Melvin shares, “We kick things off with a three-minute introduction, then dive straight into live action – gymnastics, swimming, men’s basketball, track and field, and more. Our focus will be on delivering as much action as possible, reducing studio chatter and maximizing our movement between events.”

As a seasoned broadcaster with years of experience covering major global events, I can attest to the challenges that come with logistics during the Olympic Games. It’s an intricate dance between covering the action on the field and delivering insightful commentary back home.

“It’s significant for our American fans to witness us there (on the plaza),” Leist explains, just as it’s crucial for Guthrie to be present in the US during election seasons for covering major news events.

I’ve witnessed firsthand how Guthrie and Kotb have tackled challenging news moments, even when they were away from their usual studio. In 2015, while reporting live from the Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, we faced one of the most difficult interviews on TV. A young survivor of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, was before us.

Paris appears to present a more enjoyable and less heavy experience for Roker. He savors the chance to introduce viewers to unseen locations and unique experiences. According to Kotb, attending the Olympics is akin to being in the most stunning environment imaginable.

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2024-07-23 15:49