Hoda Kotb has officially been named the Today show's new, permanent co-host in the wake of Matt Lauer's firing back in November. Kotb had been called in last-minute as an emergency anchor the morning that news of Lauer's sexual assault allegations broke, and has since been filling in as temporary co-host to Savannah Guthrie.
NBC News Group chairman Andy Lack told People, "We’re very fortunate to have someone like Hoda who brings immense talent and tremendous positive energy, and then on top of that happens to have wonderful chemistry with Savannah."
Kotb's relationship with NBC goes back to 1998 when she became a correspondent for Dateline. She has been candid about facing job rejection and adversity for much of her early career, but her persistence as charisma have lead her to her current position.
Today remains one of NBC's most popular franchises, and the decision to make Kotb permanent anchor along with Guthrie marks the first time the program will have two female hosts. Guthrie looked thrilled to make the official announcement on air this morning. “We are kicking off the year right, because Hoda is officially the co-anchor of Today," Guthrie said.
This decision by NBC truly feels like turning a new leaf for the media behemoth. Thanks to the bravery of the women (and some men) of the #MeToo movement, it looks like we're taking another step in the right direction of placing capable, intelligent, and deserving women at the front-lines. 2018, you're doing great so far.
