Lauer signs new pact with 'Today'

Kesha talks to Matt Lauer on the NBC Today Show at Rockefeller Center in New York City on August 13, 2010.

NEW YORK, April 5 (UPI) -- "Today" show host Matt Lauer has signed a new long-term contract with NBC News in New York, the show's Web site said Thursday.

"We can officially share that he'll be in Studio 1A for a while longer," the online message said. "Matt will announce Friday morning on 'Today' that he has signed a new long-term contract with NBC News."

Lauer has been co-anchor of the "Today" show since Jan. 6, 1997. He joined the morning program in January 1994 as the news reader.