Co-anchor Matt Lauer seems thrilled with the change
NBC’s Today Show is fighting to stay alive. Even after fifteen years of co-hosting with Matt Lauer, Ann Curry is suffering from the consequences of the declining rates as she was fired from the show a few weeks ago. Savannah Guthrie officially made her debut this morning as the new co-anchor on the Today Show with Matt Lauer.
Merely a day after Ann Curry was fired, Guthrie’s new title was announced on June 29.
A couple days prior to her exit, Anne Curry told USA Today, “I know I am not to blame for the ratings worries. And my bosses have said to me there are many factors involved. There is no doubt that the rating wars have become meaner and less focused on our responsibilities as journalists.”
Ann Curry was not even mentioned on this morning’s show when Guthrie replaced her. Rather, the anchors seemed thrilled Ann Curry was not there and were not discrete about their feelings.
Lauer seemed thrilled about the change when he stated on-air, “It truly is a new day around here. . . I’m pleased to be sharing this new day with Savannah Guthrie, who after several years of playing a great role on this program, takes a step forward this morning and joins us as co-anchor of TODAY.”
Later that morning, Guthrie was presented with a celebratory bottle of champagne and a surprise visit from her favorite singer, Shawn Colvin.
Lauer went on to praise his newly promoted colleague. “You bring a great attitude and what we like to call a weird sense of humor to this program, so we’re all very happy to have you.”
