ABC is still on the search for another co-host for their daytime talk show, The View, and they may just have their eyes set on a familiar face at NBC, Hoda Kotb.
A source told the New York Post that ABC chiefs have mentioned Kotb’s name and that they have already reached out to her camp.
A media insider also explained why Kotb would be such a good choice for the show. “Hoda addresses several of their needs. She has news experience, which is something The View has not had since Meredith Vieira left. She also adds some diversity to the panel.”
Kotb has been co-hosting the fourth hour of Today alongside Kathie Lee Gifford since 2007. Her career in journalism began in 1986 as the news assistant for CBS News in Cairo, Egypt. She continued her relationship with CBS between 1986 – 1998 as an anchor and reporter for many local CBS stations. She started her career with NBC in 1998 as a correspondent for the channels then flagship weekly news magazine, Dateline NBC, the show now focuses on true crime stories. From 2004 – 2007, she was the host of the weekly syndicated series Your Total Health.
Shockingly enough, this Page Six item seems to be nothing but rumor. Sources for Kotb said, “Hoda loves her job at the Today show and is happy boozing with Kathie Lee every day.”
The Walt Disney Company owned channel also had a representative share their side of the story, saying, “There’s absolutely zero truth to this whatsoever.”
In March, Joy Behar announced her decision to leave when her contract is up in August. Jenny McCarthy has already been chosen to replace Elisabeth Hasselback, who left the show in early July to Fox News’ morning show, “Fox & Friends.” Creator of the show, Barbara Walters also announced this year that she will be leaving the show as co-host in May 2014.