Morales is leaving her post as 'Today' news anchor to be West Coast anchor for the NBC daytime program as well as host of 'Access Hollywood' and 'Access Hollywood Live'.
- May 5, 2016
AceShowbiz - "Today" news anchor Natalie Morales (II) is moving from New York to Los Angeles to take on new role as West Coast anchor for the NBC daytime talk show. She will also be a host on syndicated programs "Access Hollywood" and "Access Hollywood Live".
"Today" SVP Noah Oppenheim announced the news to employees on Wednesday, May 4. He wrote in a memo to the staff, "I'm writing with exciting news - this summer, Natalie Morales will move to LA to become 'TODAY' 's West Coast Anchor and a host of 'Access Hollywood' and 'Access Hollywood Live'. She'll also continue to play a prominent role on 'Dateline'."
Morales' move comes after it was reported that Billy Bush would be exiting "Access Hollywood" to join "Today". Bush will be named a host of the popular morning program's 9 A.M. hour. It's unclear how his arrival will affect the current line-up which includes Al Roker, Tamron Hall and Willie Geist.
There's still no word on who will replace Morales in the 7-9 A.M. hour alongside Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie and Roker.