NEW YORK (AP) — With little fanfare, NBC appointed Savannah Guthrie on Friday as Matt Lauer's co-host for the "Today" show, one day after ousted Ann Curry's tearful exit.

Guthrie, a lawyer and former White House correspondent for NBC News, has been host of the morning show's third hour for the past year (the show currently stretches for four hours). After vacations next week, the new team officially debuts on July 9.

It's an understated introduction for someone taking one of the most important jobs in television news. "Today" is a cash cow and the jewel in NBC's crown, and has seen its longtime position of dominance threatened in recent months by ABC's "Good Morning America." Its troubles cost Curry her job.