Meredith Vieira will become a co-anchor of Today this September, Jeff Zucker announced at 11:02am. Here is the press release.
Zucker says: “This is an announcement that I couldn’t be happier to be making. Meredith’s vast experience as an award-winning journalist, as well as talk show host, make her the ideal candidate for this job. She joins a distinguished legacy of ‘Today’ show co-anchors: from Barbara Walters to Jane Pauley to Katie Couric. We’re lucky to have her as the newest member of ‘Today,’ and I am thrilled to welcome her to the NBC family.”
Quotes from Vieira, Matt Lauer, Steve Capus, and Jim Bell are after the jump…
Meredith Vieira: “Before Jeff changes his mind, I am honored to accept this amazing opportunity. Not only is the ‘Today’ show a great program within a superb news organization, it’s also where America turns to begin the day. I look forward to joining Matt, Ann and Al in giving America the best each morning.”
Matt Lauer: “Meredith is a real pro, and I think it speaks volumes that NBC has brought her here to ‘Today.’ I have been her fan for years and I can’t wait to be her partner. She has the perfect background and personality to make a real mark on this show and in morning news in general. I’m thrilled to welcome her aboard.”
Steve Capus: “It’s a tribute to everyone at ‘Today,’ and all of NBC News, that someone of Meredith’s caliber has joined our team. She is an eight-time Emmy award winner, a 60 Minutes veteran and real pro – her skills will be invaluable at ‘Today’ and throughout the division. We can’t wait to get started.”
Jim Bell: “It has to be every executive producer’s dream to be facing a transition and then be given a tremendous talent like Meredith Vieira to join your team. To face a transition and still be able to say that you’ve got the best team in morning television is a pretty great feeling.”