With Bob Costas still on the mend, NBC Sports has tapped a new replacement for primetime coverage of the Winter Olympics.
Former “Today Show” host Meredith Vieira will fill-in for Costas on Friday’s primetime Olympic coverage, NBC has announced, marking the first time since Paula Zahn co-hosted with Tim McCarver on CBS that a woman has anchored the primetime window.
“Today Show” colleague Matt Lauer hosted the primetime window the previous three nights.
Costas has not anchored Olympic coverage since Monday due to an eye infection that has impaired his vision. It was not immediately clear when he will return.
With former Today Show executive producer Jim Bell running NBC Olympics, perhaps it should be no surprise that the network has gone to Lauer and Vieira — neither of whom have much experience in sports — to anchor primetime coverage. Even before Costas’ injury, Lauer and Vieira hosted last Friday’s Opening Ceremony.
(Fri. news from NBC Sports Group Press Box)
