NBC Courting Ryan Seacrest as Matt Lauer’s ‘Today Show’ Replacement

For months, NBC has been denying reports that Matt Lauer will leave its morning talk fest "Today." But rumors have persisted, and "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest is said to be the first choice of some Peacock executives as a replacement.

However, there are two major roadblocks.

First, Seacrest loves Los Angeles. The Georgia native is said to loathe the idea of relocating to the Big Apple. Second, industry experts predict dissension among NBC news staffers, if someone with no news experience or credibility is tapped as host of its gabfest/news program.

Mediaite reports that ABC's "Good Morning America" is making inroads, and closing the gap on "Today's" morning ratings lead, and "key NBC insiders now believe that only someone with Seacrest’s name recognition and appeal to women could allow for a smooth transition, and ensure that the incredibly profitable "Today Show" remains on top in the morning."

[Mediaite]