January 14, 1952-Present. First early-morning network program and longest-running daytime series. Created by Sylvester "Pat" Weaver. Telecast Monday thru Friday, 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, the broadcasts have maintained a format including a News Summary, segments related to Sports, Weather, Interviews, and Features. Throughout its long run, hosts of "The Today Show" have included Dave Garroway (1952-1961), John Chancellor (1961-1962), Hugh Downs (1962-1971), Frank McGee (1971-1974), Jim Hartz (1974-1976), Tom Brokaw (1976-1981), Jane Pauley, Bryant Gumbel, Chris Wallace, Katie Couric, and others.
The last "Today Show" with Hugh Downs as host, who reminisces about past shows. Frank McGee, who replaces Downs joins the celebration. Barbara Walters gives tribute to her old partner, Downs. Other guests include Joe Garagiola & former Vice President Hubert Humphrey. Frank Blair does the news. In the second segment, Frank McGee interviews Marlon Brando who is critical of the U.S. Government's broken treaties with the Yaccama Indian tribe in the state of Washington. Final taped farewells to Hugh Downs, from Flip Wilson, Bob Hope, Sen. Barry Goldwater, Johnny Carson & Dave Garroway.