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Apr 4, 2024 · Meet the talented team behind the TODAY show, the leading morning news program on NBC. Find out more about the hosts, anchors, and correspondents who deliver the latest stories and headlines.
- 6 min
- Dave Garroway, 1952-1961. Dave Garroway was the founding host and anchor of NBC's Today and held the position for nine years. Garroway's broadcasting career began as an NBC page in 1938.
- John Chancellor, 1961-1962. John Chancellor took over as Today host for Dave Garroway when he retired in 1961, and was host for just over one year. Prior to Today, he was a popular personality on NBC Nightly News, which made him a considerable candidate to fill Garroway's position.
- Hugh Downs, 1962-1971. Hugh Downs was host of Today for nine years. Prior to becoming a Today anchor in 1962, Downs was known as a popular news anchor, author, music composer and even served as host for the popular gameshow Concentration from 1958 to 1969.
- Frank McGee, 1971-1974. Frank McGee was host of Today for two years. Prior to that, he was a co-anchor on NBC Nightly News alongside John Chancellor and David Brinkley.
- Dave Garroway
- John Chancellor
- Hugh Downs
- Frank Mcgee
- Barbara Walters
- Jim Hartz
- Tom Brokaw
- Jane Pauley
- Bryant Gumbel
- Deborah Norville
Dave Garroway was the original The Today Show host, starting with the program's launch in 1952. The New York native was a page at NBC, working his way up through a series of positions at television and radio stations across the country. He became known as the "Roving Announcer," always able to find a story. In 1951, he hosted a variety show titled ...
John Chancellor was a true newsman and the popular host of the "NBC Nightly News." When Garroway resigned from "Today," Chancellor was asked to step in. Chancellor agreed to give it a try, but he never connected with audiences and felt uncomfortable in the role of an easy-going host. He asked to be released from his contract and NBC agreed. Chancel...
Chancellor was replaced by Akron, Ohio native Hugh Downs, who had made a name for himself as a news anchor, author, game show host, music composer, and so much more. Downs was considered one of the most popular Today Showhosts in history, choosing to leave after nearly 10 years on the program.
Frank McGee was a serious news journalist and, after taking the reins of The Today Showin 1971, he steered the program in that same direction. McGee insisted on opening and closing the show alone—possibly because he was threatened by up-and-coming journalist Barbara Walters, who had been a part of Todaysince 1961. McGee even insisted on asking gues...
After McGee's untimely departure, NBC finally named Barbara Walters as co-host of Today, making her the first female co-host of the program. Walters was already acting in the capacity for several years prior. Walters left in 1976 to co-anchor the ABC Evening News.
Oklahoma native Jim Hartz made his way through a series of broadcasting roles before becoming the anchor of the late evening news at WNBC in New York. From there, the network asked him to join Barbara Walters as co-host of The Today Show. Hartz stuck with the show for two years before Walters left and NBC decided to overhaul the program.
Today, he is best known as the former anchor of NBC Nightly News and author of The Greatest Generation. Yet, Tom Brokaw became a household name as the co-host of Today alongside Jane Pauley in the late 1970s and early 80s. Brokaw left when he was asked to anchor the Nightly News. He remains one of the most famous Today Showhosts in history.
In a way, Jane Pauley introduced viewers to the modern era of Today. It was with her and Brokaw that a popular pair of co-hosts—one male, one female —would anchor the morning news program and trade interviews and headlines equally. Pauley became immensely popular as Todayco-host, alongside Bryant Gumbel. After more than 10 years on the program, Pau...
Much of Bryant Gumbel's stint as a Today Showhost was met with controversy. Even before he began, there was a tussle among NBC executives over whether Gumbel would be the right choice. After all, he was just a sports reporter and a hard news journalist might be a better replacement for Tom Brokaw. Gumbel won over the day and quickly won over audien...
Deborah Norville replaced Jane Pauley as co-host of Today in 1990, but her appointment was met with controversy. Many speculated that Norville was selected simply because she was younger and cuter than Pauley. That may have affected ratings, as Today slumped to second place behind Good Morning America. Nervous, NBC executives ditched Norville after...
May 31, 2024 · Hoda Kotb. Hoda Kotb is the co-anchor of NBC News’ TODAY and co-host of TODAY with Hoda & Jenna. She is also the host of the popular podcast, Making Space with Hoda Kotb. Kotb joined TODAY as a ...
May 31, 2024 · Hoda Kotb is the co-anchor of NBC News’ TODAY and co-host of TODAY with Hoda & Jenna. She is also the host of the popular podcast, Making Space with Hoda Kotb. Kotb joined TODAY as a co-host of ...
Jan 2, 2018 · Bryant Gumbel (1982-1997) Deborah Norville (1990-1991) Katie Couric (1991-2006) Matt Lauer (1997-2017) Meredith Vieira (2006-2011) Ann Curry (2011-2012) Savannah Guthrie (2012-Present) Hoda Kotb ...
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Jul 3, 2024 · Matt Lauer first made a name for himself as a Today news anchor in 1994, before being promoted to the main anchor in 1997, a position he held until 2017. His tenure remains the longest in the show ...
