Following the exit of Billy Bush (he’s going to “Today“), the 43-year-old anchor will take over hosting “Access Hollywood” and “Access Hollywood Live” this summer. Noah Oppenheim, the NBC executive in charge of “Today”, informed the staff of the change in a memo on Tuesday.
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The announcement begins to make official the anticipated revamp of Today’s third hour, which has continued to lag as the flagship broadcast co-anchored by Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie has regained the lead over ABC’s Good Morning America in the critical 25-54 demographic this season.
Morales first joined the morning show in 2006, beginning as a national correspondent before moving up to co-anchor in 2008.
NBC “Today” show anchor Natalie Morales is moving West to become host of the entertainment show “Access Hollywood”, but will keep a role on the morning program.
Oppenheim noted that NBCUniversal’s syndication unit, which distributes “Access Hollywood”, wanted Morales as part of the program after learning that a Los Angeles assignment was being considered for her.
This is the latest in a fresh round of morning show moves – Michael Strahan is leaving “Live!”. She sometimes hosts Dateline, NBC’s Friday night newsmagazine show that focuses on true-crime stories. The move is expected be announced on May 16, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The traditional news anchor role on “Today” is being phased out.
NBC is now expecting a ratings boost this summer as NBC and its cable channels have broadcasting rights to the Olympics.
Morales is no stranger to celebrity interviews, having tackled the red carpet of the Golden Globes, Oscars, Latin Music Awards and more for NBC.
Please join me in congratulating Natalie on her family’s big move and her exciting new roles.
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“Additionally, when NBCU Domestic TV Distribution heard that a talent of Natalie’s caliber and entertainment experience might soon be LA-based, they immediately jumped at the opportunity to have her host Access Hollywood and Access Hollywood Live”, Oppenheim wrote.
