Savannah Guthrie is a renowned television personality, journalist, and co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show. Her career has seen significant milestones, but one of the most discussed aspects of her professional journey is her time working with Matt Lauer. Lauer, who was also a prominent figure on the “Today” show, became the center of a scandal in 2017, which eventually led to his firing. The relationship between Guthrie and Lauer has been the subject of much public attention, especially considering the highly publicized nature of his departure.
In this article, we’ll explore the dynamics of their partnership, the timeline of their work together, and how it evolved over time, including how Guthrie navigated the aftermath of Lauer’s exit. Let’s take a closer look at their professional relationship and how it impacted both of their careers.
Savannah Guthrie And Matt Lauer’s Early Days at NBC
Savannah Guthrie joined the “Today” show in 2011, replacing Meredith Vieira as the co-anchor of the show’s third hour. Before this, she had worked as a legal correspondent for NBC News and a White House correspondent. Matt Lauer, who had been with “Today” since 1997, was the show’s lead anchor at the time. Lauer’s tenure as host of “Today” was marked by significant ratings success, and he was widely regarded as one of the most powerful figures in morning television.
When Guthrie joined, the chemistry between her and Lauer was immediately evident. Their partnership seemed to offer a balance of gravitas and charm, with Lauer’s experience and Guthrie’s fresh perspective creating a dynamic that appealed to a broad audience. The two quickly became a popular duo, and their banter helped shape the tone of the show.
Lauer had built a reputation for being a seasoned journalist with a no-nonsense approach, while Guthrie brought a warmth and relatability that made her appealing to viewers. Together, they hosted the “Today” show’s morning segment and its special broadcasts, covering high-profile events like political conventions, national disasters, and major news stories. Their on-air partnership appeared seamless, and many fans were fond of their rapport.
The Partnership Between Guthrie and Lauer: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
On the surface, Savannah Guthrie and Matt Lauer’s working relationship seemed to be one of mutual respect and professionalism.
Lauer, who was already a well-established figure at NBC, mentored Guthrie as she settled into her new role. He was seen as a strong presence who guided her through the fast-paced world of morning television.
However, despite their public camaraderie, working at NBC’s “Today” show behind the scenes could be intense. Like any large media organization, there were often competitive dynamics, particularly in a market where the “Today” show was facing stiff competition from rival networks, such as ABC’s “Good Morning America.” The pressure to perform, deliver top-notch coverage, and maintain high ratings was always present.
Nevertheless, the working relationship between Lauer and Guthrie seemed to thrive, with the two collaborating on several memorable moments on-air. Guthrie’s presence allowed Lauer to play off her energy, and they seemed to work together to provide a compelling mix of news coverage and light-hearted moments. They became known as the anchors who could tackle serious stories with professionalism but also manage to inject humor into lighter segments.
The 2017 Scandal and Matt Lauer’s Firing
In November 2017, Matt Lauer was suddenly fired from “Today” after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. The scandal shocked the television industry, as Lauer had been one of the most recognizable faces in American morning television. His abrupt departure marked the end of an era for “Today,” and it left many viewers and colleagues stunned.
For Savannah Guthrie, the news of Lauer’s firing was a deeply personal one. Guthrie had worked closely with Lauer for several years, and they were considered close colleagues. While the allegations against Lauer had not been publicly known at the time, Guthrie and her co-anchors were forced to address the situation on live television.
The morning after Lauer’s firing, Guthrie appeared on “Today” to speak publicly about the shocking news. She and fellow anchor Hoda Kotb were tasked with delivering the news to their audience. Guthrie’s emotional response was evident, and she later shared that she was “heartbroken” by the events that had unfolded. In her remarks, she stated that she had always respected Lauer and had never witnessed the kind of behavior that led to his termination.
Her composure in such a challenging moment earned her praise from both colleagues and viewers. In many ways, it marked a turning point in her career, as she became a key figure in navigating the aftermath of the scandal. This period required a delicate balance, as Guthrie needed to remain professional while grappling with the complexity of the situation. The audience watched as she gracefully handled the pressure, making it clear that her focus remained on the integrity of the “Today” show, the team, and her responsibility as a journalist.
Savannah Guthrie’s Role After Lauer’s Departure
After Matt Lauer’s firing, Savannah Guthrie took on a more prominent role within the “Today” show. She was immediately named as the co-anchor of the show alongside Hoda Kotb, who had previously worked with Guthrie as part of the team. Together, Guthrie and Kotb formed a new dynamic, one that resonated with viewers who appreciated their warmth, candor, and trustworthiness.
While Guthrie’s role as anchor evolved, her ability to remain composed and focused in the face of such significant changes was crucial to maintaining the “Today” show’s reputation. Guthrie was never part of the public controversy surrounding Lauer’s departure. Instead, she was seen as a stabilizing force who helped lead the program through its transformation.
In addition to her role as co-anchor, Guthrie became more involved in reporting and covering major stories. She was praised for her work on high-profile interviews and for her ability to engage with guests and audience members alike. Her rapport with Kotb also became one of the highlights of the show, and the new team quickly earned the approval of both longtime fans and new viewers.
Conclusion
To answer the question directly: yes, Savannah Guthrie did work with Matt Lauer. They formed a highly regarded duo on NBC’s “Today” show, and their partnership was one of the most memorable in recent television history. However, their time together was cut short due to the scandal surrounding Lauer’s dismissal. Despite the circumstances, Guthrie handled the aftermath with grace and professionalism, which has allowed her to continue thriving in her role.
While Lauer’s departure marked a significant turning point for both “Today” and Guthrie’s career, it also demonstrated her ability to navigate the complexities of the media industry. Savannah Guthrie’s continued success and her ability to rise above challenging situations have only solidified her place as a leading figure in television journalism.
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