Willie Geist - TVNewser

‘Today’ Goes Coast-to-Coast, ‘Hoping that the Past is the Past’

Alissa Krinsky — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:41:09 +0000

“It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen up close.”

That’s Willie Geist‘s assessment of a day of reporting on the aftermath of Monday’s EF5 tornado in Moore, OK. “I think what you can’t convey is the scope of the damage.” Which is why people like Geist go to places like this — to try and describe it for us all.

Late Tuesday, Geist caught a flight to Chicago, where TVNewser caught up with him and his third hour co-host Natalie Morales. With Matt Lauer and Al Roker remaining in Oklahoma, and Savannah Guthrie back in New York, the Chicago remote was a remnant of an interrupted, week-long cross-country trip which began Monday in Hawaii.

Today will close out the week with a live broadcast from the Jersey shore where residents there continue to recover from Hurricane Sandy.

Morales surveyed the Oklahoma devastation via helicopter Tuesday. “It was like a bowling ball, that was a mile-and-a-half wide, rolled through and completely devastated neighborhoods,” she says. “It sort of ties it all together, to talk about the Jersey Shore rebuilding.”

Along with special co-host, Gov. Chris Christie, Lauer, Guthrie, Roker, Morales, and Geist will all be on hand. Morales says the group is feeling “new energy” after a turbulent year in the morning show wars.

“We’re a much stronger team now for that. That’s where our true grit and our character have come through,” she says.

“I’m hoping that the past is the past. We just want to carry on and continue to do what we want to do best, which is, when a big story is breaking, like you saw in Oklahoma, we rally. We’re all there. We’re all about making sure people are getting the stories they want to hear and see.”

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Mika Brzezinski Reveals Food Obsession, Gives Away Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chris Ariens — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:51:10 +0000

If you watch “Morning Joe” you may already know this, but Mika Brzezinski is obsessed. Now she’s written a book — her third — about one particular obsession: America’s food addiction, and her own.

Brzezinski was feted at a book launch event last evening overlooking Central Park, where her morning partner Joe Scarborough described the root of Mika’s obsession: “If you know the Brzezinski family, you know why she has the issues she has,” Scarborough joked. “They are crazy, brilliant, and always striving for perfection.”

In “Obsessed” Brzezinski describes her history of food obsession, distorted body image and her struggle to be thin. It is dedicated to her two teenage daughters, Emilie and Carlie. “Girls, this book is for you,” Brzezinski said in her remarks as she asked them to “get off Snapchat and come forward.”

“I don’t want it to take 30 years for you to realize what it has taken me to realize.”

In the crowed, we spotted NBC’s Willie Geist, iVillage’s Kelly Wallace, CBS’s Leslie Stahl, MSNBC President Phil Griffin and CBS News chairman Jeff Fager. The “Morning Joe” crew was there including EP Alex Korson and former EP, now CBS News VP of programming Chris Licht. Also, Donny Deutsch, Joy Behar, Tina Brown and Sir Harold Evans.

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CNBC’s Brian Shactman to Host MSNBC’s ‘Way Too Early’

Chris Ariens — Wed, 08 May 2013 08:58:49 +0000

CNBC’s Brian Shactman is moving to MSNBC. Starting Monday, he’ll host “Way Too Early” the network’s 5:30m show. “I’m just extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity and i’ll be there between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. if anyone wants to say hello,” Schactman said on “Morning Joe” today. Willie Geist, who now co-anchors the “Today” show’s 9am hour, was the original host of “Way Too Early.”

More: Official announcement after the jump…

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‘Morning Joe’ To Air From Jersey Shore, Rockaways On Monday

Alex Weprin — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 11:40:47 +0000

MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” will be broadcasting on Monday from two of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy: The Jersey Shore and the Rockaways.

Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski and Willie Geist will all participate, with the program originating from Asbury Park, New Jersey, Seaside Heights, New Jersey and the Rockaways in Queens. Guests will include New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Rep. Peter King and other local officials and survivors.

As the roller coaster in the water still shows, there is a lot of work still to be done in order to recover from the devastation of the storm.

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‘Today’ Gets Backstage at TIME 100

Chris Ariens — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:41:01 +0000

The “Today” show had a backstage pass for last night’s TIME 100 gala in New York. Matt Lauer conducted interviews with the honorees and a segment aired this morning. Joining Vice President Joe Biden, Marissa Mayer, Jimmy Fallon, Claire Danes, Jimmy Kimmel, Sen. Rand Paul, Lena Dunham and Daniel Day-Lewis a the event were tvnewsers including CNN honcho Jeff Zucker, MSNBC boss Phil Griffin, Barbara Walters, Gayle King, Norah O’Donnell, Alex Wagner, Willie Geist and Alina Cho. By next year’s TIME 100, the magazine will likely be part of a new company, spun off from Time Warner, which Managing Editor Rick Stengel acknowledged in his speech, “An independent Time Inc. will show the power of great journalism, the power of great content to pay for itself.”

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Walters, O’Reilly, Couric and More Hit THR’s Media Power Party

Merrill Knox — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:57:50 +0000

As we told you yesterday, The Hollywood Reporter is out with its annual “35 Most Powerful People in Media” list. The honorees were feted at a “power-soaked New York party” at the Four Seasons restaurant Wednesday night.

From CBS News, chairman Jeff Fager was there, along with “CBS This Morning” co-hosts Gayle King and Norah O’Donnell, “60 Minutes” correspondent Morley Safer, “Evening News” anchor Scott Pelley and “Sunday Morning” correspondent Mo Rocca. CNN’s Piers Morgan was there, as was Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly. The “Today” show’s Willie Geist and “Live!” co-hosts Michael Strahan and Kelly Ripa attended, along with talk show hosts Wendy Williams and Katie Couric. And from ABC News, president Ben Sherwood, “The View” anchor Barbara Walters, senior VP for content and development James Goldston and “Good Morning America” anchors Lara Spencer and George Stephanopoulos, who was with his wife, Ali Wentworth.

More pictures of the event in THR’s gallery.

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Surprise 50th Party for Joe Scarborough

Chris Ariens — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:01:19 +0000

Mika Brzezinski, MSNBC president Phil Griffin and the UAE’s Ambassador to the U.S. Yousef Al Otaiba threw a 50th birthday bash for Joe Scarborough last night in Washington, DC.

According to Politico, Scarborough thought they were coming to D.C. for a speech, instead, on the rooftop of 101 Constitution Ave., Scarborough was treated to a “this is your life” with friends and family. “We have your life covered here completely, from Boston to Los Angeles to Florida to New York to Washington. Everybody is here,” said Brzezinski.

“You can sit back and relax and just hang with your family because, actually, we are going to talk tonight — and you’re not going to say a word.”

Among the guests: NBC/MSNBC’s Willie Geist, David Gregory, Luke Russert, Mike Barnicle, Andrea Mitchell, Kelly O’Donnell and Lawrence O’Donnell. “Morning Joe” EP Alex Korson and former EP Chris Licht and Licht’s boss’s boss at CBS, Jeff Fager. Also, Walter Isaacson, Dan Senor, Nicolle Wallace, Bob Woodward and more.

(h/t Playbook)

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Willie Geist, Natalie Morales Will Host Nik Wallenda Walk Across Grand Canyon

Alex Weprin — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:31:33 +0000

In June, daredevil Nik Wallenda will attempt to walk across the Grand Canyon on a tightrope, live on Discovery Channel. NBC News’ Peacock Productions will be producing the jump, and so NBC “Today” co-hosts Willie Geist and Natalie Morales will be serving as the hosts of the event.

Wallenda announced the addition of Geist and Morales while walking on a tightrope above the audience at Discovery’s upfront presentation in New York yesterday (see the photo to the left). For insurance purposes, he was wearing a harness, “don’t worry though,” he said yesterday. “I won’t be wearing one when I walk across the Canyon.”

Last year ABC aired Wallenda’s walk across Niagara Falls, with “Good Morning America’”s Josh Elliott and “SportsCenter’”s Hannah Storm hosting. The event drew record ratings for ABC. ABC and Discovery were in a bidding war for the Grand Canyon stunt, with Discovery simply making the better offer. NBC, as the producer of the show, will also benefit.

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Willie Geist Gives Kim Kardashian Parenting Advice

Merrill Knox — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 13:04:12 +0000

Willie Geist was not in his usual perch on NBC’s “Today” or MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” Friday – he was in Los Angeles for a taping of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Kim Kardashian, who is expecting a baby with Kanye West, was also a guest on Thurday’s show, and Geist threw a few parenting tips her way.

“Kanye’s gonna have to decide early on whether or not he’s a baby bjorn guy,” Geist advised. “Because the minute you put on that baby bjorn, there’s no turning back. It’s like buying a minivan — you lose a little piece of yourself.” Watch:

Geist also talked about his infamous on-air kiss with Al Roker:
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NBC News Group Makes Ad Sales Pitch At Upfront

Alex Weprin — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 15:45:29 +0000

The NBC News Group, including NBC News, MSNBC and CNBC, held an upfront presentation today at the New York Public library in midtown Manhattan. The Celeste Bartos Forum in the Library was lit up in shades of purple and blue, as media buyers and advertisers mingled with NBC News executives and talent.

Newly-minted MSNBC 8 PM host Chris Hayes was there, as was Matt Lauer, the co-anchor of “Today” who has been at the center of a number of news stories of late. He seemed to take the stories in stride, joking with Savannah Guthrie onstage:

“I would like to tackle what might be a teeny white elephant in the room,” Lauer said to laughter from the crowd. “We all love covering the news, we hate being the news, and so I would like to say on that subject–from the bottom of my heart–that I promise to spend all of my time and energy over the next several months trying to keep Savannah out of the headlines. ”

We want to go back to the most-watched morning program and the least talked about morning program,” he added.

Lauer sat next to NBCUniversal CEO Steve Burke during the lunch, and “Today” was the final NBC News property pitched during the presentation, emphasizing how important the show is to the network.

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Tamron Hall Has Never Seen ‘Seinfeld,’ or ‘The Office,’ or ‘Cheers’

Chris Ariens — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:27:08 +0000

MSNBC’s Tamron Hall, sitting in on the ‘Today” show as Natalie Morales reported from Vatican City, admitted to being a novice when it comes to popular TV sitcoms… like all of them. After Willie Geist rattled off a list put together by Vulture of some of the most watched TV shows of the last 30 years, Hall said she’d only seen two of them: “Sex and the City” and “30 Rock.” No “Seinfeld,” or “The Office,” or “Cheers,” or the “Simpsons.” Al Roker asked, “Are you American?” Hall pointed out many classic 70s sitcoms like “Laverne & Shirley” “Happy Days” and “What’s Happening?” were not on the list.

Geist, Roker, Hall and E! host Jason Kennedy also talked about Hall’s “Newsnation” theme song, composed by Prince, which debuted on her MSNBC show Monday. Hall revealed that it will only be her theme song for 6 months at which point Prince takes back full rights.

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L.A. Cop Murder Suspect Cites A Slew Of TV News Hosts In Manifesto

Alex Weprin — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:42:38 +0000

CNN says that it received a package from Christopher Jordan Dorner, a former Los Angeles police officer turned murder suspect. The package was addressed to Anderson Cooper. “Inside was a note, DVD, and a coin shot thru with bullet holes,” Cooper tweeted. ”AC360″ will address it tonight.

Dorner also wrote a rambling manifesto attempting to justify his crimes, and cites a number of TV news personalities and other entertainers in it.

Dorner is accused of killing one police officer and shooting three others. He is also believed to be behind the murder of the daughter of another police officer.

Related: TVSpy – LA Stations Asked To Not Show Tactical Movements in Manhunt Coverage

Dorner’s manifesto starts somewhat cohesive but rambles off when he starts sending notes to politicians, TV news personalities and entertainers. He praises New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former President George H.W. Bush, Hillary Clinton, Charlie Sheen, Larry David and Ellen Degeneres, among others.

Chris Matthews, Joe Scarborough, (KCBS anchor) Pat Harvey, Brian Williams, Soledad Obrien (sic), Wolf Blitzer, Meredith Viera (sic), Tavis Smiley, and Anderson Cooper, keep up the great work and follow Cronkite’s lead. I hold many of you in the same regard as Tom Brokaw and the late Peter Jennings. Cooper, stop nagging and berating your guest, they’re your (guest). Mr. Scarborough, we met at McGuire’s pub in P-cola in 2002 when I was stationed there. It was an honor conversing with you about politics, family, and life.

Willie Geist, you’re a talented and charismatic journalist. Stop with all the talk show shenanigans and get back to your core of reporting. Your future is brighter than most

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Willie Geist And Al Roker Kiss On ‘Today’

Alex Weprin — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:12:01 +0000

Just in time for Valentines Day next week, NBC “Today” anchors Willie Geist and Al Roker got up close and personal this morning.

While demonstrating Valentines gifts, Geist and Roker put on lip balm, with one tasting like peaches, and the other like cream. When things get passionate, both people’s lips taste like dessert, apparently.

It was a moment worth remembering on a tiny sugar heart.

WATCH:

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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John Harbaugh Making The Rounds, Including His Favorite Morning Show

Alex Weprin — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 10:27:38 +0000

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is making the TV rounds after leading his team to a Super Bowl championship last night.

Obviously CBS had the scoop last night during the post-game coverage, but the Harbaugh interview tour continues today. The Ravens coach appeared on “CBS This Morning” and on “Today.” One network had the rights to the Big Game, while the other had the morning show that Harbaugh and his wife watch at home:

“We were watching your show on TV this morning in the room, you guys do a great job, we love your show,” he told Savannah Guthrie and Willie Geist.

WATCH:

Harbaugh will be appearing on CBS’ “Late Show with David Letterman” Thursday. His “CTM” interview is after the jump.

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Connecticut School Shooting: Saturday Coverage Plans

Merrill Knox — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:57:26 +0000

Coverage of Friday’s tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, will continue Saturday on the broadcast and cable networks.

On ABC, weekday anchor George Stephanopoulos will anchor “Good Morning America” from Newtown. Elizabeth Vargas will join him from New York. ABC’s Josh Elliott, Amy Robach and Dan Harris will report from the scene in Newtown.

NBC’s “Today” will also have the weekday team in, with Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie anchoring from Newtown. Lester Holt, Erica Hill, Ann Curry and Willie Geist will contribute to the program.

Anthony Mason and Rebecca Jarvis will anchor “CBS This Morning Saturday” from Newtown. CBS will also preempt “48 Hours” Saturday night for a special report on the shooting at 10pmET.

Fox News will be live at 5amET with “Fox & Friends First.” An expanded edition of “Fox & Friends” will air from 6-10amET, and will be simulcast on FBN. The 10am-noon business block will be preempted for live coverage anchored by Jon Scott and Jenna Lee. Scott will also host an expanded two-hour “Fox Report” beginning at 6pmET. Mike Huckabee‘s program will be live from NYC at 8pmET and Jeanine Pirro and Geraldo Rivera will host their primetime shows from Newtown.

MSNBC will focus on the shooting during regularly-scheduled programming and will be live until at least 7pmET Saturday night.

On CNN, Ali Velshi and Jon Berman will anchor from 6-9amET. Soledad O’Brien will anchor from 9-11amET, Wolf Blitzer will anchor from 11am-1pmET and Don Lemon will anchor from 1-3pmET. O’Brien will anchor from 3-5pmET, and Blitzer and Kate Bolduan will anchor from 5-8pmET. Anderson Cooper will anchor from 8-9pmET, Lemon and O’Brien will anchor from 9-10pmET, and Cooper will take over again from 10-11pmET.

On HLN, Nancy Grace will host a special on the shooting tonight at 8pmET. Dr. Drew Pinsky will host a special live hour at 9pmET.

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