It seems there are plans in place for a sensitive situation.
NBC is reportedly developing a strategy that includes a specific phrase in the event that Savannah Guthrie, the host of the “Today” show, must announce her mother Nancy’s disappearance while on air.
A source from the “Today” show mentioned that if breaking news occurs regarding the kidnapping case during Savannah’s broadcast, producers would instruct her that she “needs to be removed from the set”—a phrase she is familiar with.
“If the situation arises, we’d pull her right out of the segment,” the source explained.
“She knows that if a producer says, ‘Offset needs it,’ it means there’s something important happening,” they continued.
“We recognized there was news about her mother, so we took her to the office to inform her while another anchor delivered the news as breaking.”
The source emphasized that Savannah would “never in a million years” cover her mother’s case on her own show unless she were prompted to do so.
It’s been said that Guthrie “trusts” the network to handle the story with care and is aware that NBC wouldn’t withhold updates regarding her mother’s situation out of respect.
“Savannah realizes that there’s a public interest in Nancy’s story, and she understands she doesn’t have to wait for all the details before reporting it,” the source mentioned.
When Guthrie returned to the “Today” show, nearly two months after her mother vanished from her Tucson home on February 1, she received a warm welcome.
On her first day back, a source noted that she was met with “lots of hugs, tears, and smiles.”
During a recent interview with former co-host Hoda Kotb, Guthrie expressed her interest in returning to work, indicating it was a good time to balance family and any developments in the search for her mother.
Following the news of Nancy’s disappearance, Guthrie’s colleagues have dealt with lingering feelings of guilt, considering it a “wake-up call.”
Guthrie has strong support from NBC executives who have been there for her throughout this ordeal, whether she chooses to stay or not.
It seems likely that Guthrie is back for the long haul, though NBC is prepared to give her time off if she requires it.
“If she’s not feeling well or needs more time away, she will certainly be accommodated,” the source noted.
“They hope for her full-time return, but they’re willing to let her step back if needed, while expecting her back permanently.”
The Post has reached out to NBC for further comment.
