Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie have been trailblazers since becoming the first all-female anchor duo on the iconic "Today" show. But they're not done making waves. In a recent surprise announcement, these two dynamic hosts decided to take a bold step toward reconnecting with the world around them—by putting their phones aside during the show.
Why a Phone-Free Zone?
On a recent Tuesday morning, as the cameras rolled, viewers noticed something unusual. A basket filled with cellphones sat prominently on set. It turns out, Savannah, 52, and Hoda, 59, had decided to make the "Today" show a phone-free zone for the day. This decision came after discussing the Surgeon General's suggestion of adding warning labels to social media platforms, highlighting the potential risks of excessive screen time.
Savannah explained to the audience, "Take a look at that basket over there. That’s where we've placed our phones for the entire show. We thought it would be interesting to disconnect and focus on what really matters." She went on to emphasize the growing concern about smartphone addiction, especially among parents and kids alike.
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A Challenge Worth Taking
Hoda chimed in, sharing how this experiment was already paying off. "It’s been 30 minutes, and I have to say, it feels great," she said with a smile. "We usually spend commercial breaks checking emails, handling family logistics, or scrolling through social media. But today, we're staying present and engaged." The co-hosts acknowledged that while it might feel strange at first, the break from constant notifications was refreshing.
How the Cast Reacted
Of course, not everyone on the "Today" team was immediately on board with the idea. Craig Melvin jokingly called out Carson Daly for sneaking a peek at his phone backstage. "Carson, you're such a cheater!" Craig exclaimed, drawing laughter from the studio audience. Carson defended himself by asking, "How am I supposed to prep for PopStart without my notes?" Savannah playfully shot back, "Mr. Daly, there will be a note in your file about this."
Al Roker also chimed in, teasingly asking if he could get his phone back. His lighthearted comment highlighted the playful banter that often defines the "Today" show dynamic, even amid their newfound commitment to unplugging.
Will This Trend Last?
While it's unclear whether this phone-free policy will become a permanent feature on "Today," the hosts' willingness to experiment with technology boundaries is commendable. After all, in a world dominated by digital distractions, taking a step back to focus on meaningful interactions can be incredibly rewarding.
Just last month, Savannah faced a moment of contradiction when she used her phone to FaceTime her son, Charley, during a live segment. At the time, Hoda playfully called her out, noting that Savannah's son wanted to hear the U.S. Navy band perform live during Fleet Week in New York City. "Who else is enjoying this music right now?" Hoda asked the audience. "The plaza outside, the three of us, and one little boy on FaceTime!"
Parenting in the Digital Age
Savannah, who shares two children—Charley and daughter Vale—with husband Mike Feldman, admitted that her kids are already begging for phones despite being only six and nine years old. "It’s a constant battle," she confessed during an earlier segment in October 2023. "Parents I talk to say, 'Once we gave in and handed them phones, everything changed. Our relationship became all about the screen.'"
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Hoda also opened up about her approach to parenting her daughters, Haley and Hope, with ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman. "There are times I've handed my kids a phone to distract them, especially in stressful situations like waiting at the doctor's office," she admitted. "But then you realize, they never learn how to manage stress naturally because the phone becomes their go-to escape. It’s a tough balance."
