At this time last year, I don\'t think many people would have had issues with Matt Lauer as a J! host. Fast-forward a year later, and the proverbial poop has hit the fan regarding his likability and future (plunging \"Today\" ratings, what role (if any) he had in Ann Curry\'s removal as host and Savannah Guthrie\'s inclusion, his recent run of PR repair, etc.). I honestly think Lauer would rather take a Brokaw-esque emeritus role at NBC, or perhaps pair up with Katie Couric on her talker (if it\'s still on by then) before taking the J! job.
Dan Patrick is an interesting choice. He mentioned a few years back that he was approached to audition for TPiR and turned it down, so I have to wonder if he\'s open to hosting a game show down the line. I think he has the potential of being a good emcee if he wants to give it a shot.
If a news guy is selected, I\'ll be curious to see if J!/Sony would allow said host to continue and/or pursue his/her news work. Sony is not affiliated with a major network or cable TV channel in the U.S., so we wouldn\'t have a situation, say, Anderson Cooper had when he gave up his ABC News duties to host \"The Mole\".
JD