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Hoda Kotb Officially Joins ‘Today’ As Co-Anchor

By | Published on January 2, 2018
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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.

“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.

“Today Show” News

Matt Lauer Says He’s ‘Truly Sorry’ After Bombshell Sexual Harassment Reports Come to Light

Megyn Kelly’s ‘Today Show’ Ratings Down 24% from When Tamron Hall Was On Last Year

‘Today Show’ Stylist Apologizes for Disastrous Hair-do, Model Said it May Have Been ‘Too Ambitious’

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.

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