Hoda Kotb, a familiar face on NBC News, has announced her decision to leave the “Today” show at the beginning of 2025, creating significant openings in the network’s flagship morning program. Since stepping in as co-anchor following Matt Lauer’s departure in 2017, Kotb has been an integral part of the show, co-hosting the first two hours with Savannah Guthrie and contributing to the lighter 10 a.m. segment.
Speaking on the program Thursday, Kotb expressed her desire to spend more time with her two young daughters. “I realized it was time for me to turn the page,” she said, noting the importance of being present for her children as she approaches her 60th birthday.
Despite her departure, Kotb is expected to remain involved with “Today” in some capacity. Her versatile presence has made her a standout in the morning news landscape, seamlessly balancing hard-hitting news with lighthearted segments.
As the landscape of morning television evolves, Kotb’s exit comes at a pivotal time. The financial dynamics of morning broadcasts have changed, with traditional audiences dwindling as viewers turn to digital platforms. This trend is prompting a reevaluation of high salaries for morning anchors across networks, with ABC’s “Good Morning America” and CBS’s “CBS Mornings” facing similar challenges.
Currently, “Today” is performing well in ratings, recently surpassing “GMA” in overall viewership for the first time since early 2018, aided by NBC’s coverage of the Paris Olympics. However, the overall audience for morning news has been declining, with significant drops reported between 2020 and 2022.
NBC has several potential candidates to fill Kotb’s shoes. Craig Melvin, who co-anchors the 9 a.m. hour, is considered a strong contender. Tom Llamas, a newer addition to NBC News, has also been mentioned as a potential successor, alongside other candidates who could step into the 10 a.m. hour.
Kotb joined NBC in 1998 as a correspondent for “Dateline” after working at CBS affiliates. She gained national recognition after joining “Today” in 2007 and has since become known for sharing her personal experiences on-air, a trend she believes is essential in today’s broadcasting environment.
With her multifaceted role at NBC and contributions to SiriusXM, Kotb has redefined the expectations for morning show anchors, emphasizing the importance of connection and authenticity in modern broadcasting.
