NBC names Hoda Kotb as Lauer replacement on 'Today' show

NEW YORK — NBC News opened the new year by appointing Hoda Kotb as co-anchor of the "Today" show's first two hours with Savannah Guthrie, replacing Matt Lauer following his firing on sexual misconduct charges in late November.Kotb will continue to co-host the show's fourth hour with Kathie Lee Gifford.She has subbed for Lauer beginning on the day he was fired. Despite the turmoil, "Today" won four straight weeks in the ratings over ABC's "Good Morning America," after it has spent much of t