Sarah Palin helped "Today" maintain its winning streak against "GMA," even with the appearance of its own guest star Katie Couric.
“[F]rankly, I’m ecstatic we beat the ‘perky one,’” Palin emailed Zap2it, along with some compliments for the “Today” show staff and cast.
Her problem was not with ABC, Palin made clear. No, it was just Couric, who was filling in as the host of “Good Morning America.”
“I wouldn’t have gone up against ABC’s vacationing Robin Roberts, because she’s such a good egg,” said Palin. “By the way, both Robin and Matt Lauer have traveled the long journey to Alaska and dealt with unglamorous, rugged conditions to see more of our world; they’ve shown respect for a more unconventional Americana lifestyle, and we appreciate that.”
NBC's "Today" widened its advantage over ABC runner-up "Good Morning America" by 23,000 viewers Tuesday, compared with the day before, according to the Nielsen Co.
"Good Morning America" brought Couric back to morning TV after her many years hosting "Today." Couric, now at ABC, is filling in all week at "GMA." Palin appeared as a "Today" guest co-host on Tuesday.
"Today" drew 5.5 million viewers, while "GMA" had 356,000 fewer people tuning in. On Monday, the gap dividing them was 333,000 viewers.
This morning-show rivalry has intensified as "GMA" chips away at the audience margin that has kept "Today" in first place for 15 years.
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