As a long-time viewer who’s grown accustomed to the friendly faces of Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie gracing my mornings with their warmth and professionalism, it’s bittersweet to learn that change is afoot at NBC’s Today show. While I was initially taken aback by the news of Hoda Kotb stepping down, the prospect of Savannah Guthrie potentially following suit had me reaching for the antacids.
Despite NBC’s Today not being among the shows concluding in 2024, Hoda Kotb left viewers across the nation taken aback when she announced that her tenure as a morning TV co-host would be ending as the year winds down. Audience members are undoubtedly curious about who will step into her shoes after she departs, but they also have another unexpected piece of news to process in the meantime: it’s been claimed that Kotb’s declaration disrupted one of her colleagues’ supposed plan to disclose their own departure.
If the news from Dateline NBC’s former anchor hadn’t announced her departure from the Today show, there was a possibility that Hoda Kotb could have been the one preparing for a fresh face on set, as some network insiders suspected Savannah Guthrie might be planning her own exit. Now that one long-standing host is stepping down, it seems NBC is doing everything they can to keep Guthrie around.
Since 2012, Guthrie has been a cherished member of the show, but recent whispers suggest that he might be preparing for an exit after the Presidential election coverage, as reported by Page Six. However, Hoda Kotb’s recent announcement seems to have significantly impacted these plans.
A particular resource indicates that those in authority appreciate the versatility of Savannah Guthrie, and they would prefer if she could stay with them indefinitely. To quote them directly:
Absolutely, it’s clear that Savannah isn’t planning to depart from NBC anytime soon. If it were up to the management, she might stay forever. She is undeniably the soul of Today, and there’s immense backing for her. Few individuals can transition from dressing as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader for Halloween one moment, to interviewing the president the next, and then reporting on a significant breaking news story.
Reflecting her knack for adapting swiftly and going with the flow, Guthrie allegedly responded warmly to Kotb’s announcement, keeping the morale of everyone else high. According to a staff member, this is how she was described.
Immediately following the announcement, we gathered for a staff meeting where Hoda took the floor first, followed by the management, and later Savannah delivered her thoughts, creating an incredibly moving atmosphere. In this crucial moment, [Guthrie] provided just the right care and support to the Today team.
A clue that Savannah Guthrie might have been considering leaving the Today show was given by the publication of her book “Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding” in February, which made it onto the New York Times bestseller list. Adding to this suspicion were previous statements she had made about not wanting to overstay her welcome on the NBC series. This book led some people to think that she might be planning a life beyond the show.
For the moment, it appears that Guthrie will stay in her role for the rest of the 2024 TV schedule, working alongside Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager. She’ll continue to manage the show even after Kotb leaves the studio, though Kotb will still hold a position under the NBC News umbrella. Guthrie has a year left on her contract for the Today Show, so there might be more changes once that period ends.
In addition, it should be noted that rumors about Hoda Kotb leaving due to pay cuts might not be entirely accurate. Sources suggest that both she and Guthrie may not be making as much as the reported $20 million annually, but closer to $8 million per year instead.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-02 19:07