NBC announced Friday Savannah Guthrie will replace Ann Curry as co-host of Today alongside Matt Lauer. Guthrie has served as anchor of Today’s third hour segment since last August.
"In just a few short years Savannah, has become a standout member of the news division as well as the ultimate team player. She's got an undeniable range, and she's earned the trust of the news community, her colleagues and our viewers alike. I couldn't be happier for Savannah and the entire Today team,” NBC News President Steve Capus said in a statement.
"She has a one-of-a-kind combination of sharp wit and approachability, and our viewers value her journalistic skills and legal background just as much as her humor and charm. She can effortlessly go from interviewing the Secretary of State to jumping Olympic-sized hurdles on the plaza. I’m thrilled to welcome Savannah as our newest co-anchor, and along with Matt, Al and Natalie, we’ve got the best morning team in the business,” added executive producer Jim Bell.
The announcement comes just one day after Curry announced she had been axed from the show. “Today is going to be my last morning as regular co-host of ‘Today’,” Curry told viewers as she fought back tears. "This is not as I ever expected, to leave this couch after 15 years. But I'm so grateful, especially to all of you who watch.”
Curry said NBC has given her “some fancy new title” as an international news correspondent. She will report from all around the world and appear on various shows, including Today.
Recent low ratings and Curry’s apparent lack of chemistry with Lauer is rumored to be at the heart of NBC’s problem. Curry, 55, stepped up as co-host just over a year ago when Meredith Vieira left the post. Before that she worked as Today’s news anchor for 14 years.
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