Olympics: Sochi Terrorist Threats and Anti-Gay Protests Will Be Covered as News, Says NBC’s Matt Lauer

The “Today” host says the NBC team is ready for the security risks

“Today” host Matt Lauer said the NBC team is aware that terrorists could make good on their threats against the Winter Olympics in Sochi, and the network is prepared to cover such an event and any Russian anti-gay protests as it would any news story.

“We hope nothing happens, but we’re going there completely aware of the fact that something could happen at any moment,” Lauer said on Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live” on Thursday night.

Also read: Olympics Panic: NBC Defends Sochi Security Amid Terrorist Threats

“I’m going to host the Opening Ceremony, and so obviously, if there are displays of support for the uh, or, against the anti-gay or anti-propaganda laws in Russia, we’ll cover it as it happens.”

Lauer also told “Watch What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen that he’s been boning up on Russian history in preparation for his two weeks in Sochi — through 11 hours worth of books on tape.

“Matt’s also been studying like 800 years of Russian history — ask him anything,” “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie said.

Also read: Mitt Romney Defends Olympics Security on ‘Today’: Former Salt Lake City Chief Says Sochi ‘Will Be Safe’

“Pardon me, it’s a thousand years of Russian history,” Matt jokingly corrected.

“Eleven of the best hours you’ll ever spend.”

Comments