NBC – Entertainably

Alec Baldwin Getting Late Night NBC Show, Replacing Carson Daly?

April 9, 2013Gossip Cop

Truth rating: 7

9:55 pm, April 9th, 2013

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Alec Baldwin could be the newest addition to NBC’s late-night lineup, according to a new report.

The “30 Rock” star is said to be in early talks for a half-hour show in the 1:35 a.m. timeslot, which is currently occupied by “Last Call with Carson Daly.”

Baldwin currently hosts his own WNYC podcast, “Here’s The Thing,” where he tackles news issues and interviews stars.

A source close to the situation tells Gossip Cop that “people have been impressed with his radio podcast series and have thought about him for these opportunities.”

But there’s “nothing to discuss right now,” insists our insider.

NBC’s late-night schedule has been in a state of upheaval, with the recent announcement that Jimmy Fallon will take over “The Tonight Show” and replace Jay Leno next year.

That leaves a spot open on Fallon’s “Late Night,” which reportedly could be filled by “SNL” star Seth Meyers.

The Baldwin development was first reported by The New York Times.

A rep for Baldwin declined to comment.

Gossip Cop will have updates.

PHOTOS – Alec Baldwin Looking Younger — Thanks to Hilaria Thomas?

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Howard Stern “Insulted” By Rumors He Could Replace Jimmy Fallon (AUDIO)

March 13, 2013Gossip Cop

Howard Stern Jimmy Fallon NBC

7:35 pm, March 13th, 2013

AUDIO

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Howard Stern is addressing rumors he could be offered a late-night talk show — and he’s none too pleased about the particulars.

There is unconfirmed speculation that NBC might soon transition Jimmy Fallon into Jay Leno’s prime “Tonight Show” slot, leaving a hole to fill at 12:35 a.m. where Fallon’s “Late Night” currently airs.

Rumors said Stern could get the gig, but execs might want to think again, as the shock jock has insinuated he wouldn’t be interested in such a late time slot.

“First of all, what an insult. Like, all the years of my career. I’m like, the biggest guy in radio. I’ve done film. I’ve done television,” Stern said on his show Monday.

He continued, “I mean, they act like I’m some kind of f**king beginner or something… Maybe if I’m really nice to NBC they’ll let me take over Carson Daly’s show at like 2 o’clock in the morning.”

Ouch.

But, is an NBC show for Stern totally out of the question?

Check out the audio below!

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LISTEN: Warning: Explicit

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Matt Lauer Slams NBC’s Handling of Ann Curry Firing, Direction Of Today Show

March 11, 2013Gossip Cop

Truth rating: 10

Ann Curry Matt Lauer NBC The Daily Beast Today Show

1:07 pm, March 11th, 2013

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Matt Lauer is finally breaking his silence about Ann Curry’s departure from the “Today Show” and the NBC morning show’s declining ratings.

The host — who is not leaving his post, despite wrong rumors — admits in a new interview with The Daily Beast that Curry’s ouster from her co-anchor position last June should have, and could have, been excecuted a lot better.

“I don’t think the show and the network handled the transition well. You don’t have to be Einstein to know that,” says Lauer.

He continues, “It clearly did not help us. We were seen as a family, and we didn’t handle a family matter well.”

Lauer further shares that he disagreed with the show’s direction last year, where more time seemed to be devoted to scandalous, tabloid-esque stories.

“The show got a little dour and depressing and dark,” says the TV journalist, revealing that he objected to a lot of the content, but was “losing a lot of those battles.”

“Even if [the stories] popped in the ratings in the short term, they did some damage in terms of trust with our viewers,” Lauer says. ”We got drunk on it.”

And, for the first time in 16 years, “Today” fell out of first place in the ratings, with ABC’s “Good Morning America” capturing the top spot.

“In some ways being No. 2 in the ratings is a real shot in the arm, a kick in the pants,” Lauer argues. “It makes you hungrier … I don’t think it’s a bad thing to have a fire lit under your a**.”

Lauer believes things are starting to turn around, however, noting, “It’s a much more positive show, a more uplifting show. Much of the darkness is gone, by design.”

But while the job is still not without stress or controversy, Lauer says he is going to persevere.

“I’m not going to whine or get depressed. Who’s going to feel sorry for me? Nobody,” he tells The Daily Beast. “I am the luckiest guy I know.”