A NEW ‘DAY’
Hoda steps in to succeed tainted Lauer
HODA KOTB will replace disgraced anchor Matt Lauer on NBC’s “Today” — the first time in the long-running program’s history that two women will be the main hosts.
Kotb, 53, will join co-anchor Savannah Guthrie to helm the popular morning show, which is still NBC’s most profitable franchise.
Guthrie made the announcement on Tuesday.
“This has to be the most popular decision NBC News has ever made and I am so thrilled,” Guthrie said on-air.
Kotb, who has been co-host of the fourth hour of “Today” since 2008 with Kathie Lee Gifford, said she was thrilled.
“I’m pinching myself,” Kotb said after Guthrie’s announcement.
Kotb joined the network as a correspondent for “Dateline” in 1998.
She’s been co-anchoring with Guthrie since Lauer was booted from the show in November over allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct with colleagues.
“Over the past several weeks, Hoda has seamlessly stepped into the co-anchor role alongside Savannah, and the two have quickly hit the ground running,” NBC News Chairman Andy Lack said in an email to staff.
“They have an undeniable connection with each other and most importantly, with viewers, a hallmark of Today.”
Kotb will continue to co-host the fourth hour with Gifford, the network said.
NBC’s flagship show — on air since 1952 — has seen a ratings boost since Lauer, 60, was fired. Network execs initially feared ratings would droop.
Lauer was dismissed after an NBC employee brought accusations of sexual harassment to company officials.
Since then, as many as seven other women have made similar accusations, and it was revealed the anchor had a button under his desk to allow him to lock his door from the inside without getting up.
The detail appeared in a Variety exposé that suggested Lauer used the button to initiate “inappropriate contact” inside his office without having to worry that someone would walk in.
On Tuesday, Kotb raised hackles among some viewers by revealing that Lauer had sent her a “sweet” congratulatory text.
“He was sweet this morning. Certain texts popped up, and there was one from Matt: ‘Congratulations!’ ”Kotb told E! News. “And he said some nice words.”
Lauer has kept a low profile since news of the scandal broke. Kotb told E! News, “It meant the world to me to hear from him.”
One viewer took to Twitter to accuse Kotb of “normalizing” Lauer’s actions.
“Seriously? You’re normalizing his behavior because it’s what you know. It’s what you have experienced and come to expect from men. But IT IS WRONG! Wake up and support your fellow women,” wrote user @angpjfl.