Congratulations, Hoda...and The Today Show!

In my book, The Today Show is a brand and it may have just made the smartest brand move in its long history as a leader in morning news/television/entertainment.

Yesterday, on the first official work day of the new year, The Today Show announced that Honda Kotb will replace Matt Lauer as permanent co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie.

Smart move on a number of fronts. Internal promotion of a beloved employee, apparently both internally and externally. A woman. A woman joining another woman for an all female hosting duo. A great bounce back from the Matt Lauer issue.

Most importantly BTW, also a person who earned it, deserves it, and has had numerous struggles all along the way. Just like a lot of us. And a person who is excellent at it. All the skills are there for news/television/entertainment!UIKeyInputDownArrow

And no small factor...the ratings have responded since the moment she started filling in. Back to #1.

Smart move, brand The Today Show. Congratulations, Hoda! What’s your experience? JIM