'GMA' narrows 'Today' lead in ayem race

Buoyed by publish-Oscar coverage along with a "DwtsInch reveal, "Hello America" reduced the margin between itself and to begin with "Today" towards the cheapest level in 5 years. For that week of February. 27, "GMA" averaged 5.36 million audiences while NBC's ayem goliath "Today" came 5.52 million. That symbolized the littlest margin between your two programs since 2007. Within the 25-54 demo, that is most significant towards the newsies, "GMA" came 1.8 million while "Today" came 2.a million -- the cheapest between your two in 4 years. "Today" has beaten both ABC and CBS' ayem programs during the last 16 years, however the lead continues to be lowering recently. The rankings data was launched on the day that a study appeared that Matt Lauer, whose Peacock deal finishes toward the finish of the season, was apparently set to sign a multiyear pact that will pay him $25 million annually. NBC refused the report and stated there's been no current ongoing discussions. Lauer is a steadying pressure on "Today," the industry four-hour week day staple for NBC. Lauer grew to become a lasting anchor in 1994 and, together with co-anchor Katie Couric, assisted establish "Today" like a rankings giant and also the most lucrative show around the network. Katz Television Group Vice president Bill Carroll stated NBC must offer Lauer the best package -- a mix of money and possible new program possibilities -- to convince him to remain and make certain there's continuity at "Today," especially because the program has lately gone through personnel changes. "Folks could possibly get fed up with that specific (morning hours) grind, but presuming he's the enthusiasm and wishes to stay, they need to try to reach that goal,Inch Carroll stated. Ryan Seacrest, who became a member of the NBCUniversal family following a Comcast merger, was sailed just as one "Today" anchor if Lauer leaves his publish. Lauer could depart "Today" for any syndicated talkshow program -- following within the actions of Couric, whose new skein "Katie" starts this September -- but ayem success does not always translate to daytime. "Unless of course you are speaking in regards to a network-came from program, for example 'The View' or 'The Talk,' distribution is really a whole other game," Carroll stated. "You've for the greatest periods of time and finest stations in each and every market after which hope you are not going against established perennial programs." Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com

Tila Tequila Entering Rehab After Recent Suicide Scare

Name That Tune logo If you could recognize Kanye West's "Runaway" from that first tinkling piano note in the Bud Lite Platinum Super Bowl commercial, then you might be in luck. FremantleMedia has secured the rights to the classic game show Name That Tune for a reboot, Vulture reports. The company has a good track record for reviving game shows such as Family Feud and Let's Make a Deal. Fall TV Scorecard: Is your favorite show in danger? Name That Tune is a song-guessing quiz show that pits two contestants against each other to name songs based on the fewest notes played. The one who advances to the Golden Medley bonus round tries to name seven songs in 30 seconds or less. The show first debuted in 1953 and was seen in various incarnations throughout the '70s and '80s. In 2001, VH1 debuted their version, Name That Video. MTV also tried to launch other versions for its flagship network and CMT, but neither got off the ground. CBS also tried but failed at a reboot in 2006. Check out this classic clip from a 1977 episode featuring Kathie Lee Gifford: Would you "tune" into a revamp of Name That Tune?