“Today” gets new studio, Carson Daly joins team

Along with FOX News Channel’s FOX & Friends morning show getting a new cohost and redesigned studio this Monday, NBC’s Today will likewise be returning to a new studio, and adding a new member to its team — Carson Daly — on Sept. 16.

The brand-new Studio 1A (its first redesign in seven years) that will debut Monday on Today will feature, according to an NBC release,  “an open floor plan to promote the seamless interaction of the Today team, guests and audience in a modern, multi-platform approach. The new set also provides the program’s hosts and producers with the flexibility to tell and share engaging, illustrative stories, using tools such as a state-of-the-art video display system and an interactive weather monitor — specially designed by Al Roker and his team.”

Also part of the redesign is the addition of the Orange Room, a digital studio that will be hosted by Carson Daly, who joins NBC News.

Again, according to NBC: “The Orange Room is the nexus point between the Today audience and the show, embracing the many ways that viewers seek out and share news across all media and allowing the show and its fans to connect in a variety of new ways. In a casual, lounge-like setting, the Orange Room will also be a hub of emerging technology, equipped for everything from social media hangouts, to extended live-stream interviews with Today guests, analysis of real-time social data and reactions from the web, as well as the home for Today’s original digital franchises. As host of the Orange Room, Carson will bridge Today’s television and digital platforms and offer audiences the chance to communicate and connect with the show unlike ever before.”

NBC says that Carson Daly will continue his role as host of its hit series The Voice (back Sept. 23) and that he will also continue as executive producer of the late-night show Last Call, with plans for a transition from that latter show to be announced at a later date.

On his new gig, Carson Daly said, “For over a decade now, NBC has allowed me to grow and delve further into live broadcasting and producing, and I am so grateful for these opportunities. I’m thrilled to be joining the talented team at Today.”

Today airs weekdays from 7am-11am ET on NBC.

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Carson Daly unveiling the new Studio 1A set for Today: Peter Kramer/NBC