Willie Geist named 'Today' co-host

Willie Geist has been named co-host of the 9 a.m. hour of the "Today" show in New York, NBC said Wednesday. Jim Bell, the morning program's executive producer, said Geist will begin his new job Nov. 12. He will continue as a contributor to NBC News programs as well as NBC Sports Group, where he will report on the Olympics and for NBC Sports Network. "We are thrilled to add Willie to the 'Today' team," said Bell. "He brings a solid news background with a keen sense of creativity and humor. From politics to pop culture, Willie is a skilled and versatile reporter who will make a great addition at 9 a.m. and contribute to the entire broadcast." Geist will also remain co-host of MSNBC's "Morning Joe" where he has covered national politics since 2007 and will have an expanded Web presence with MSNBC.com's revamped "Zeitgeist," a video blog he started and has run since 2007.