Longtime "Today" co-host Natalie Morales is leaving the show for another top role in "Access Hollywood." Although Morales is to become host of the Hollywood-based NBCUniversal show, she will retain a presence on "Today."
Morales is expected to move to Los Angeles in the summer to also serve as host to "Access Hollywood Live." The 43-year-old journalist will also be appearing on the popular news show "Dateline" also based in California, according to NY Post.
Morales is said to be spending a lot of time in California, according to Noah Oppenheim, the executive-in-charge of the morning show. Oppenheim explains that since the show is increasing focus on stories from the West Coast, having a permanent anchor presence in Los Angeles would add an enormous value.
In a previous report by the New York Post, Morales was said to be weighing her options since her contract was expiring in October. Her move to California was revealed by a source on Wednesday but NBC declined to comment at the time.
NBC news did not name a replacement for Morales' newsreader role. However, Billy Bush of "Access Hollywood" will also be making a TV show move by joining the "Today "show in advance of the Rio Summer Olympics.
NBC would essentially be swapping the two esteemed news journalists. The move could be signaling a greater shakeup in the third hour. Many speculate that "Today" has shifted to a more serious overall news approach under the leadership of Oppenheim and NBC News President Deborah Turness, according to Hollywood Reporter.
The looming changes come as huge TV networks ABC and NBC are fighting for every TV viewer. ABC's "Good Morning America" finally toppled NBC's "Today" show by total of viewers in 2012. While the lead still continues, NBC is closing in on the gap and is leading in the key advertiser demos among viewers between 25 to 54 years of age.
Morales currently resides in Hoboken, New Jersey just across the Hudson River from the Big Apple. Morales started working on the famous New York-based show in 2006.
The veteran news anchor co-hosts the 7 to 9 a.m. segment of the morning show with Al Roker, Willie Geist and Tamron Hall. The flagship broadcast is also co-anchored by Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie.
