Is the “Today” Show Reducing Matt Lauer’s Onscreen Presence Because People Don’t Like Him Anymore?

Matt Lauer can't seem to catch a break with the audience.

It seems like ever since "Good Morning America" started beating "Today" in the ratings, they are looking to blame someone. Matt Lauer seems like he's the guy to put the blame on.

In my own humble opinion, the show hasn't been the same since Meredith Vieira left. Even though Ann Curry didn't seem like a perfect fit to be next to Matt, he's been in the hot seat with "Today" fans.

Some new producers have been brought onboard, and supposedly they want to reduce Matt's role. A "show insider" told RadarOnline.com,

"Matt's on-air reporting and interviews are going to be cut back . . . He's widely unpopular and many view him to be responsible for Ann Curry being fired from the co-host spot."

Meanwhile, an anonymous former NBC News suit tells the "New York Daily News",

"This problem is not going to go away until Matt Lauer does . . . he's great, but fairly or unfairly, his brand is damaged."

If this is true, it sucks for NBC since they just gave him a new multi-year contract in April, worth $25 million a year. By the way, there has been talk he'll be asked to take a pay cut. There's no official word on any of this.

Do you watch the Today Show? Have you started to like Matt less and less?

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