Matt Lauer has extended his contract with NBC and will retain his post as anchor of Today on NBC for an unknown number of years.

Matt Lauer Will Remain On Today

Lauer has been an anchor on Today since 1997 – the longest-running anchor in Today show history – and with his contract up in a few months, many were speculating that the newsman might be leaving his post. In April of 2012, Today lost their place at the top of the ratings when their 16-year streak of top weekly ratings was brought to an abrupt end by Good Morning America. The hiccup in the ratings paired with former co-anchor Ann Curry’s abrupt departure caused many to speculate that NBC might try to revamp the program by bringing in a new anchor to replace Lauer, but it seems all was well.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with Matt’s decision. As I’ve said many times before, he’s the best in the business, and there is nobody I would rather have in the Today anchor chair than Matt,” NBC News President Deborah Turness said in a statement released Friday, June 13.

NBC lands olympics for next 18 years. Wait till you see me and Al in luge suits when we're 75! #spandexnightmares

— Matt Lauer (@MLauer) May 7, 2014

Lauer also released a statement on the news, saying, “I consider this the best job in broadcasting. I love people I work with every day and I have such respect and gratitude for the people I work for. I couldn’t be happier to be staying.”

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