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'Today' anchors welcome new permanent weekend hire to NBC show after significant lineup changes

Joe Fryer, who has previously appeared on 'Today' as a fill-in host, has been hired as a feature anchor for Saturday broadcasts

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: After long deliberation, NBC has finally announced the permanent weekend host addition for the 'Today' show. Viewers will get to see Joe Fryer in the studio on Saturdays.

The news came after ‘Today’ introduced a fresh addition to their weekend lineup as a permanent anchor, following a recent surprising reshuffling of hosts.

Earlier this week, the show's Saturday host Kristen Welker was replaced by Laura Jarrett, a senior legal correspondent at NBC News.

It is reportedly confirmed that Jarrett and Fryer will be joining Peter Alexander at Studio 1A, while Welker will assume a new responsibility as the moderator for 'Meet the Press'.

Who is 'Today's new permanent weekend hire?

Fryer, who joined NBC News in 2013, has been chosen as a permanent hire for the 'Today' show's Saturday broadcast. 

On Friday, August 11, episode, Savannah Guthrie, Sheinelle Jones, Craig Melvin, Carson Daly, and Al Roker welcomed Fryer as Guthrie said, "Joe, we’ve got to say congratulations to you." "You were just named Saturday Today Feature anchor. We're so delighted for you," she added. 

Fryer thanked Guthrie and shared with his co-hosts that he is excited about his upcoming new role. "We are moving the Saturday show back to Studio 1A. Laura Jarrett is joining us. We're gonna have a good time," stated Fryer. 

To which Guthrie remarked, "More Peter and Joe. That is how you want to wake up on Saturday. I love it," as Roker chimed in, "A news buffet," leading to everyone in the studio burst into laughter.

Although Fryer has appeared on 'Today' earlier as a fill-in anchor, leading special segments. Besides, he also reports for 'MSNBC' and 'NBC Nightly News' being a part of the news network for long.

Who else was hired for the 'Today' show?

The weekend lineup of the 'Today' show is undergoing a significant transformation. 

Previously, Melvin and several other hosts confirmed that Jarrett is to take up co-hosting both Saturday 'Today' and NBC News Saturday as a replacement for Welker. The shift coincided with the relocation of the weekend edition of 'Today' from Washington DC to New York City after two years.

"In her first months at NBC News, Laura has quickly made her mark with tireless reporting, sharp legal insight, and powerful storytelling," said Libby Leist, Executive Vice President of 'Today' about Jarrett, adding, "Not only is she a terrific journalist, but she’s also a wonderful colleague. We can’t wait to officially welcome her to Saturday TODAY."