Salon.com > Rumors

NBC executive: “Matt Lauer is the best in the business”

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:22:00 +0000

NBC is attempting to squelch rumors that Anderson Cooper could replace Matt Lauer as co-anchor of the "Today" show.

Lauer has been intensely criticized since July, when he was blamed by media insiders for the firing of Ann Curry, a move that led to a drop in ratings and eventual rumor that he's being ousted by the network.

NBC News executive Alex Wallace told the AP, "Matt Lauer is the best in the business," adding, "we want him in the `Today' show anchor chair for many years to come."

Another NBC executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that "NBC News has many exploratory talks with talent inside and outside of the network, but to read anything specific into that is presumptuous."

Lauer's time could be up soon, regardless, as his contract ends in 2014. So where does this leave Lauer? "Trapped in a vortex of bad vibes with no escape in sight," according to the AP.

Seth Myers rumored to replace Jimmy Fallon on late night show

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:20:00 +0000

After the New York Times reported that Jimmy Fallon is to replace Jay Leno on NBC's flagship late night talk show (which is now moving to New York), the entertainment industry has been wondering who will take Fallon's place. Names that have come up so far include Seth Myers and Tina Fey.

From the New York Post:

"we’re told that “Saturday Night Live” head writer and 'Weekend Update' host Seth Meyers will move into Fallon’s late-night slot. A source told us, 'Lorne Michaels wants Seth to take over from Fallon. It would be perfect for him. Tina Fey’s name had also come up, but she has said she was too busy to do it.' "

Klosterman on the “Petraeus” letter that wasn’t

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 22:28:00 +0000

As the Internet fired off rumors about disgraced former CIA director David Petraeus's mystery woman, Paula Broadwell, media outlets started speculating that writer Chuck Klosterman may have advised Broadwell's husband on how to handle the affair in The Ethicist column in the New York Times Magazine.

Alas, it was not to be; the New York Times investigated the origin of the letter, which turned out not to be from Broadwell's husband. Though media outlets have since updated their stories to reflect the non-story status, today Chuck Klosterman shared his version of the "non-event" with Grantland:

Castro pens article slamming health rumors

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 21:15:00 +0000

HAVANA (AP) — Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro said he doesn't even suffer from headaches in an article he published in state-media Monday criticizing those who spread rumors he was on his death bed.

The article, ironically titled "Fidel is Dying," is accompanied by photos taken by son Alex Castro that show the revolutionary icon standing outside near some trees wearing a checked shirt and cowboy hat, including one in which he is seen reading Friday's copy of the Communist Party newspaper Granma.

Castro is leaning against a cane in the photos and he looks every bit his 86 years, but his eyes are sharp and his expression determined as he gestures with his left hand.

"I don't even remember what a headache feels like," Castro claims in the article, adding that he was releasing the photos to show "how dishonest" the rumor mongers have been.

Cubans reacted with a mix of support and cynicism.

"He looks well to me and the truth is I'm happy, but one day he will die because at his age he's on borrowed time," said Camilo Fuentes, a 67-year-old Havana resident.

"I think it is a big show," said Carina Rojo, a 57-year-old retiree. "People don't care anymore ... there is much more interest in these things outside the country."