KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prominent NBC Today Show hosts Kathy Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb will experience Jamaica’s majestic isle this Friday, March 4, 2011, as they co-host a special edition of TVJ’s Smile Jamaica.
The celebrated Smile Jamaica team, including Simon Crosskill, Neville Bell, Simone Clarke-Cooper and Carlette DeLeon will co-host a first-ever collaborative effort between TVJ’s Smile Jamaica and NBC’s Today Show, America’s top-rated morning show since 1995. The show will take place in Jamaica’s resort capital Montego Bay from the pristine Half Moon, A RockResort.
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is working with noted designer Michelle Lee to produce a one-of-a-kind set to showcase Jamaican inspired elements on the show. The broadcast will air in Jamaica from 6:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. EST, and stream live online via TVJ’s website, www.televisionjamaica.com, for international viewing.
According to John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism and Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, the unique opportunity will benefit all Jamaicans by heightening the visibility of the destination to a global audience. “We welcome the esteemed hosts of NBC’s Today Show to Jamaica to experience the destination’s many assets, especially the warm hospitality of our people,” said Lynch. “The Jamaica Tourist Board couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to display the positive accomplishments of our magnificent country. This collaborative show between the U.S. based NBC network and our very own TVJ is a milestone for Jamaica and will benefit the tourism sector as it heightens the awareness of our products and attractions to a well sought after audience. We credit the excellent work performed daily by TVJ’s Smile Jamaica team for producing innovative content that’s attracting the attention of media influencers domestically and abroad.”
The Smile Jamaica/ NBC Today Show special broadcast will highlight some of the dynamic talents in Jamaica such as singer Taurus Riley, saxophonist Dean Fraser and international reggae superstar Shaggy. Additional guests will range from a Jamaican children’s choir and wedding expert to a celebrity chef and spokespersons from major Jamaican export brands, including Blue Mountain Coffee and Appleton Rum. Each show segment will provide insight on Jamaica’s culture, history, topography as well as unique accomplishments like Jamaica’s history-making dogsled team.
“We’re delighted to partner with the Jamaica Tourist Board to produce a positive cooperation between Smile Jamaica’s team and NBC’s Today Show,” said Television Jamaica’s General Manager Kay Osborne. “This is a tremendous opportunity for TVJ as well as the people of Jamaica to be able to demonstrate the incredible talent and accomplishments of Brand Jamaica. Along with our Today Show partners we plan to deliver an entertaining episode filled with the wonders of Jamaica to a worldwide audience.”
Kathy Lee and Hoda are two of America’s most recognizable morning show hosts, both having gained award-winning fame. Kathy Lee’s career has spanned over 40-years with accolades including being the first woman ever to guest-host the legendary “Late Show with David Letterman” as well as the recipient of 11 Emmy award nominations. Hoda has won top honors as well, including the 2008 Gracie Award for Individual Achievement, the 2008 Alfred I. DuPont Columbia University award and the prestigious Peabody in 2006 for her “Dateline NBC” report “The Education of Ms. Groves.” A four-time Emmy nominee, she also won the 2004 Headliner Award, the 2003 Gracie Award and the 2002 Edward R. Murrow Award.
