going to NYC in December and thought we would try to participate in the TODAY Show madness outside? Any insider tips on where to go exactly? What time to be there to be ON Camera and up close with Matt and Katie or Al?

I tried my luck with the Today show at 6:00am and still didn't get a good spot. It was actually very boring. I managed a spot behind the stage of the summer concert series (Nora Jones) and actually got some good glimpses of her. As far as Al, Matt & Katie - couldn't see anything! In order to get up close, I think you need connections, have a very special sign or be there super early. If you can't get in with the crowds by the camera, it's boring just standing there watching the Today Show on the monitors outside.

We were in NYC in March 1997 and walked right up to the fencing at 7:30 am and had lots of space to choose from. It was a little cool that morning, so maybe the weather in December will be a plus for you. >-

Robyn

We were there when Matchbox 20 was the guest on the summer concert series, and we were shown prominently on TV TWICE. We got up late and were afraid that we weren't going to get in at all. They had set up baracades on each side from the back of the crowd to the door, so that they could have a path to move the guest and the cameras through. We stood against the little baracade fences (so we were facing perpendicular to the stage). When the guest (Ruben Studdard) came through, we were essentially the "front row". We were also in the front when Katie and Matt were on their makeshift stage outside. The camera panned to us for a long time while the band was playing, and Al came over and talked to the people standing next to us about their sign (they had gotten engaged the night before). And we didn't get there til 7:30!
I'd recommend getting there earlier than that, but if the front of the stage is packed, stand next to the "baracades". And have a good sign.
HAVE FUN!!!

My take on this whole thing is that CBS and ABC have been copying the Today Show's spontanious outdoor crowd gathering for years. That weather guy on CBS is a total loser. He tries to get a crowd to come to him and then he makes a fool out of himself. Those concerts are also a total copy of the Today Show. CNN is the only morning show which doesn't copy NBC. Jack Cafferty on CNN is a hoot!