“This has to be the most popular decision NBC News has ever made,” ‘Today’ co-host Savannah Guthrie said to their audience before announcing Matt Lauer’s buzzed about replacement. “Hoda, you are a partner and a friend and a sister, and I’m so happy to be doing this.” This popular partnership made history with the first female co-anchors for the two-hour morning segment. Also with this strategic move, Hoda will become one of the most vital figures at NBC News. Hoda will still remain co-host of the 10 a.m. hour of the ‘Today’ with Kathie Lee Gifford. When Lauer was removed for sexual misconduct, NBC defeated “Good Morning America” every week with Hoda taking the co-anchor seat for the interim, something it had not done for four consecutive weeks in more than five years. Every change on the morning show is closely watched not just by millions of fans but also by advertisers and business analysts. Lauer being fired surprisingly didn’t hurt ‘Today’, if anything it has generated higher viewership. Although Hoda is making morning television history, she is still being paid around $18 million less per year than Lauer. One show insider said, “Hoda isn’t complaining about the money. She has landed the big job she always dreamed of, and most definitely deserves.” It is certainly a new year at NBC News.