With ratings for NBC's 'Today' show down and ABC's 'Good Morning America' gaining on it, NBC dismissed its top executive on 'Today,' executive producer Tom Touchet. Touchet has been working at for NBC's morning show since 2002.
'Today' remains NBC's biggest money making show but its once dominating lead over second place 'GMA' has been cut in half. The show's expansion to three hours has been a money maker for NBC but seems to have diluted the quality of the product according to most critics.
Ironically, Touchet has been a producer with 'Good Morning America' prior to his stint with 'Today.'
When asked why Touchet was being let go, an NBC executive simply told 'The Washington Post,' 'Look at the ratings.'
On certain big news days such as the Monday after the death of Pope John Paul II, 'GMA' actually topped 'Today' in the ratings for the day.
According to an NBC executive who wished to remain anonymous, both hosts of 'Today,' Katie Couric and Matt Lauer, supported the decision to remove Touchet. 'The feeling was this guy had done all he could do and it was time to freshen up the show once again.'
