.@SavannahGuthrie announces @HodaKotb will be co-anchor of TODAY. #SavannahHodaTODAY pic.twitter.com/B64n2FmCwq
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) January 2, 2018
After Matt Lauer’s exit rocked NBC News, the network has announced Hoda Kotb will officially take over the ousted anchor’s seat on the “Today” show. In a doubly historic moment, two women — one of them a Black woman — will lead the broadcast for the first time in 65 years. Chairman Andy Lack announced the news Tuesday, Jan. 2 and the morning show let viewers in on the development this morning.
“It’s 2018 and we are kicking off the year right because Hoda is officially the co-anchor of Today,” “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie says. “This has to be the most popular decision NBC News have ever made and I’m so thrilled.”
Her payment has not been disclosed, but Page Six reported Lauer stood to make $20 million yearly.
Kotb added that she was “pinching myself” and her tweet reacting to the news reflected her disbelief.
Whaaaaaatttttttt! #SavannahHodaTODAY pic.twitter.com/qX53MUHxcj
— Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) January 2, 2018
“Today” ratings have blossomed in the wake of Lauer’s termination in November, which came after allegations of sexual harassment emerged against him, according to The New York Times.
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People magazine reported NBC executives offered Kotb the position ahead of the holidays. The long-time NBC staple, who began her career at “Dateline,” will continue to host the 10 a.m. hour with Kathie Lee Gifford as well as the two-hour morning slot with Guthrie.
In response, many have been congratulating Kotb — including her fellow “Today” hosts.
A hearty #congratulations to @hodakotb officially our new @TODAYshow #cohost with @SavannahGuthrie #SavannahHodaTODAY pic.twitter.com/SNNZ2y8Zko
— Al Roker (@alroker) January 2, 2018
Congrats Hoda! #SavannahHodaTODAY
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 2, 2018
Congratulations‼️ You Totally Deserve it… #startToday
— Nicole Whitaker (@Nikki_BizLife) January 2, 2018
Congratulations! So well deserved. You are the heart and energy of this show. Main reason I will continue to visit the #TODAY show when I go to NYC. Much ❤️ from Texas. #SavannahHodaTODAY pic.twitter.com/BadrKoA6nA
— Ana Pico (@PicanaTX) January 2, 2018
Congratulations @hodakotb Just officially named new co-host of @TODAYshow along side @SavannahGuthrie What a great team to wake up to!
— Lester Holt (@LesterHoltNBC) January 2, 2018
So happy for my dear friend @hodakotb !! Congratulations on being named the new Co Anchor of @TODAYshow !! Nobody does it better!!
— Kathie Lee Gifford (@KathieLGifford) January 2, 2018
