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Tweet Off! Social Media To Blame For Matt Lauer’s Unpopularity Says NBC Executive

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Nov. 26 2012, Published 3:00 p.m. ET

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By Jon Boon - RadarOnline.com Reporter

Matt Lauer isn't to blame for TODAY’s slump in ratings, according to an NBC executive.

Instead, NBC News President Steve Capus believes Twitter is responsible for the ill feelings towards the $25-millon-a-year host.

"Sadly, this is the era in which we live: Venomous tweets somehow threaten to drown out all of those who praised Matt for his coverage," Capus told The Daily Beast.

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"The Twitter snarkiness is an unfortunate result of misdirected anger that's been unfairly placed on Matt," Capus added. "There has also been a lot of mean-spirited piling-on, which has been manufactured by many anonymous sources."

In the wake of Good Morning America overtaking TODAY in the ratings and Ann Curry's sudden departure, Lauer, 54, has had to face the backlash. But Capus believes that Lauer is blameless for the situation.

"Matt had nothing to do with Ann's reassignment," Capus said.

"He does not make those types of decisions. There has been an incredible amount of misplaced blame on Matt."

Despite Campus' claims, another NBC exec has revealed that Lauer WAS involved in Curry's removal from the show – but preferred to have her gradually removed.

"The whole Ann transition really hurt us," the unnamed NBC suit said.

"Lauer was one of the few people who fought to do the transition in a different way - to take our time with it and not do it so rushed right before the Olympics. He wanted to do right by her, and we really didn't."

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As RadarOnline.com previously reported, Twitter erupted over Lauer's hosting of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

One tweet read: "Dear Matt Lauer, RETIRE!"

While another user wrote: "Matt Lauer should get a lifetime achievement award for saying ridiculous things with deadpan, absolute sincerity. Way to go Matt."

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