Today (NBC program)

Today (NBC program)
Show name	Today
Genre	News magazine, morning
Country	United States
Language	English
Network	NBC
Last aired	present

Today (NBC program) is an American morning television program that has aired on NBC since the early 1950s. The program combines news, interviews, features, weather, and lifestyle segments, and has influenced morning television formats across the United States and internationally. Over its decades on air, the show has featured prominent journalists, entertainers, and politicians, and has competed with other network programs for daytime audiences.

History

Launched during the presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the program debuted as part of NBC's expansion into daytime television and paralleled developments at Columbia Broadcasting System, American Broadcasting Company, and the rise of Television in the United States. Early figures included hosts who transitioned from radio and Fortune magazine-era media, while the program's evolution reflected cultural shifts during the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the Watergate scandal. During the 1970s and 1980s, the show adapted to competition from Good Morning America on ABC and cable outlets such as CNN and MSNBC, hiring high-profile anchors and producers associated with networks like CBS News and newsrooms in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. The program's pivot toward personality-driven segments coincided with broader changes in broadcast journalism exemplified by figures connected to 60 Minutes and NBC Nightly News. In the 21st century, it navigated challenges posed by digital platforms including YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, and incorporated correspondents from news organizations such as NBC News Digital and partnerships with production companies linked to Universal Media Studios.

Format and segments

The program's format mixes national and international reporting with lifestyle coverage, featuring segments on entertainment, health, finance, and technology. Regular elements have included interviews with guests from worlds represented by Hollywood, Broadway, The White House, and the United States Congress, as well as segments drawn from events like the Academy Awards, the Emmy Awards, and the Sundance Film Festival. Weather updates often originate from meteorologists with ties to regional stations such as WNBC and forecasting services associated with agencies like the National Weather Service. Recurring features have showcased correspondents who also appear on programs connected to Meet the Press, Dateline NBC, and morning shows across networks. Lifestyle contributors have included chefs who competed on MasterChef and authors promoted through appearances connected to publishing houses in New York City. Specialty segments have highlighted technology from firms in Silicon Valley and automotive coverage referencing manufacturers based in Detroit.

Hosts and notable on-air personalities

Over its run, the program has employed anchors and personalities who moved among outlets like CBS News, ABC News, Fox News Channel, and PBS. Notable on-air figures have appeared from backgrounds tied to organizations such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Reuters, and wire services including Associated Press. Hosts and contributors have conducted interviews with leaders associated with the United Nations, the European Union, and heads of state from countries represented at summits like the G20, and have moderated discussions involving lawmakers from the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives. Entertainment correspondents drawn from outlets such as Entertainment Weekly and Variety have covered premieres at venues like Radio City Music Hall and festivals such as the Cannes Film Festival.

Production and broadcast details

Produced by teams linked to studios in 30 Rockefeller Plaza and facilities operated by NBCUniversal, the program integrates field reports from bureaus in cities including London, Beijing, Jerusalem, and Mexico City. Technical operations utilize control rooms and satellite uplinks coordinated with companies such as NBC Studios and syndicated production partners. The broadcast schedule has included live early-morning editions and recorded segments distributed to affiliates including stations owned by groups like Sinclair Broadcast Group and Tegna Inc., and streaming clips distributed via platforms operated by Comcast and digital services tied to Peacock (streaming service). Music and graphics packages have been updated periodically by production houses with experience on programs like NBC Nightly News and specials produced for events like the Super Bowl.

Reception and ratings

The program has often vied for Nielsen ratings leadership with competitors such as Good Morning America and morning offerings on Fox News Channel and cable networks. Critical reception has varied, with praise from media critics at outlets like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter for investigative pieces that paralleled work on shows like 60 Minutes, and scrutiny from editorial pages at publications such as The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times over coverage priorities. Ratings trends have been influenced by major events covered live by the show, including international crises involving NATO and summits like COP climate conferences, and by talent changes that drew attention in trade journals such as Broadcasting & Cable.

Controversies and notable incidents

The program's history includes episodes that generated public controversy and legal scrutiny involving production decisions and on-air behavior, which prompted responses from media regulators and advocacy groups including the Federal Communications Commission and press organizations. High-profile incidents attracted commentary from journalists at Politico and The Washington Post, and spurred internal reviews by executives affiliated with NBCUniversal and parent companies like Comcast. Some controversies led to settlements or personnel changes reported by outlets such as The New York Times and legal filings in courts in New York County, New York.

Category:American television news shows