**Veteran Correspondent Tom Costello Oversleeps Ahead of Live Broadcast**
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On 3rd September, Tom Costello, a senior correspondent for NBC’s Today show, found himself in an unusual predicament as he nearly missed his segment on the ‘3rd Hour of Today’. After two decades of dedicated service, this was the first instance in which Costello overslept, a situation primarily attributed to a malfunctioning alarm clock.

The incident unfolded during a lively discussion about Labour Day travel, where co-host Craig Melvin pointed out the comedic misfortune of his colleague when he asked, “We heard if you had been trying to catch a flight this morning; Tom Costello would have missed it. What happened?” The exchange took place live from an airport, providing a fitting backdrop to the humorous revelation.

Costello, who has been part of the Today family for nearly 23 years, recounted the moment he realised he had overslept. The 62-year-old was jolted from slumber when his producer contacted him at 6:30 am, seeking to confirm his location. “He said, ‘Where are you?!’ And I said, ‘In bed, why?'” Costello recalled, chuckling at the absurdity of the situation.
The cause of the mix-up was a faulty clock, which displayed an incorrect time. Costello took a moment to provide photographic evidence, showing the time read a mere 1:48 am. “I think it’s time to buy a new clock,” he quipped, recognising the irony of the outdated device.
Melvin could not resist teasing Costello about the vintage alarm clock, joking, “1987 called, it wants its Timex back.” The light-hearted banter continued as Costello pondered the possibility of relying on his iPhone for alarms in future, acknowledging that his current setup was no longer viable.
This amusing episode marks a rare blip in Costello’s otherwise steady career. “All of us on the Today show, we get one of these, one mistake like this. I’ve done it. It’s my first one,” he commented, with a sense of humility as he addressed the audience. His candid admission resonated with viewers, revealing the human side of the seasoned journalist.
Melvin, in an effort to console his long-time colleague, assured Costello that he was allowed more than one mistake in light of his extensive tenure. “Tom, you get two because you’ve been here so long,” he reassured, adding a touch of camaraderie to the morning show atmosphere.
As the programme moved forward, the incident remained a topic of conversation among viewers, illustrative of the occasional hiccups that even the most seasoned professionals can encounter. Tom Costello’s mishap serves as a reminder that no matter how experienced one may be, unforeseen circumstances can always arise.
Overall, the light-hearted nature of the incident reflects the more relaxed and personable approach that the Today show embodies. Tom’s experience not only provided an entertaining segment for viewers but also showcased the supportive dynamic that exists among the show’s presenters.
