MUMBAI: American television personality Meredith Vieira has been named co-anchor of US broadcaster NBC News' Today,
This announcement follows the departure of Katie Couric to CBS News.
NBC Universal Television Group CEO Jeff Zucker says, ""This is an announcement that I couldn't be happier to be making. Meredith's vast experience as an award-winning journalist, as well as talk show host, make her the ideal candidate for this job. She joins a distinguished legacy of Today show co-anchors: from Barbara Walters to Jane Pauley to Katie Couric. We are lucky to have her as the newest member of Today and I am thrilled to welcome her to the NBC family."
Vieira said, "Before Jeff changes his mind, I am honored to accept this amazing opportunity. Not only is the Today show a great program within a superb news organisation, it's also where America turns to begin the day. I look forward to joining Matt, Ann and Al in giving America the best each morning."
Matt Lauer who co-hosts the Today show says, "Meredith is a real pro, and I think it speaks volumes that NBC has brought her here to Today. I have been her fan for years and I can't wait to be her partner. She has the perfect background and personality to make a real mark on this show and in morning news in general. I'm thrilled to welcome her aboard."
NBC News president Steve Capus says, "It is a tribute to everyone at 'Today,' and all of NBC News, that someone of Meredith's caliber has joined our team. She is an eight-time Emmy award winner, a 60 Minutes veteran and real pro -- her skills will be invaluable at 'Today' and throughout the division. We can't wait to get started."
Vieira has been moderator of ABC's The View since the show's inception in 1997. She has been the host of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire since 2002. She started at the network in 1993 when she joined their news division as chief correspondent of Turning Point which debuted in March 1994 and where she earned her seventh Emmy Award.
Vieira spent more than a decade at CBS News, where she garnered five Emmy Awards for her work as a correspondent on the top-ranking news magazines 60 Minutes and West 57th.
