NBC names Guthrie 'Today' co-anchor

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NEW YORK, June 29 (UPI) -- Savannah Guthrie has been named co-anchor of the "Today" show in New York, effective immediately, NBC News President Steve Capus said Friday.

Ann Curry, who had been co-host of the show for the past year, alongside Matt Lauer, she tearfully confirmed on Thursday's show she had been ousted from the position. She said she would continue working for NBC News as a national/international correspondent.

NBC Friday said the new "Today" anchor team of Lauer, Guthrie, Al Roker and Natalie Morales officially debuts Monday.

Although Guthrie filled in for Curry Friday morning, an official announcement about her hiring was not made on the program.

"In just a few short years Savannah, has become a standout member of the news division as well as the ultimate team player," Capus said in a statement released later in the day. "She's got an undeniable range, and she's earned the trust of the news community, her colleagues and our viewers alike. I couldn't be happier for Savannah and the entire 'Today' team."

Jim Bell, "Today" executive producer, said: "As soon as Savannah joined NBC News she was a standout, reporting for every franchise in the news division and rising through the ranks. She has a one-of-a-kind combination of sharp wit and approachability, and our viewers value her journalistic skills and legal background just as much as her humor and charm. She can effortlessly go from interviewing the Secretary of State to jumping Olympic-sized hurdles on the Plaza. I'm thrilled to welcome Savannah as our newest co-anchor, and along with Matt, Al and Natalie, we've got the best morning team in the business."

Guthrie joined "Today" in June 2011 as co-host of the show's third hour and chief legal correspondent. Prior to joining the program, Guthrie served as NBC News White House Correspondent from December 2008 to June 2011.