Natalie Morales to become a regular on NBC's 'Today' show

Longtime contributor to NBC's "Today," Natalie Morales, has been promoted to national correspondent, it was announced in New York Thursday.

Morales has filled in for the departing Katie Couric, among others, on the morning news show and was among the candidates for Couric's job, which went to Meredith Vieira, The Hollywood Reporter said.

NBC rewarded Morales by making her national correspondent, which means in addition to her reporting duties, she will regularly appear during the third hour of "Today."