NBC

NEW YORK, NY (AP) -- Matt Lauer and NBC's "Today" show will broadcast live from Cuba next Tuesday to report on the political and economic climate there.

Although Lauer is a frequent round-the-world traveler for "Today," it took 18 months to arrange the visit to a country only 90 miles from the United States, said Jim Bell, the show's executive producer. Bell used his ability to speak Spanish in the negotiations.

"It's always timely to go to Cuba," Bell said. "There's always news there. Being there is news in itself."

There is no expectation NBC will interview ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who has not been seen in public for 10 months, or his brother Raul, who has been running the country, Bell said.

Besides examining Cuba's political future, "Today" plans stories on the impact of the U.S. embargo on both countries.