The change, reported by the New York Times, is apparently happening in secret. The change has not been finalized, either, but considering the ratings issues that the show has seen of late, it could in fact make sense. "The Today Show" has been seen as the show that invented early morning television, and until this spring, it was consistently No. One in the ratings. However, this spring ABC's "Good Morning America" beat it for several weeks.
[Ironically, "Good Morning America" finally beat "Today," with host Robin Roberts being informed of the show's "triumph," on the same day that she was informed of her diagnosis of MDS or myelodysplastic syndrome, a disease of the blood and bone marrow that was once known as preleukemia.]
According to the NYT, some staffers blame Curry for the loss of viewership. That said, others have taken Curry's side, and defended her.
Curry succeeded Meredith Vieira last year, after spending 14 years appearing on the show in a less visible role, newsreader. Vieira left after five years so that she could spend more time with her family, leaving in June 2011.
Reportedly, network officials and Curry have been discussing a different role for her, covertly, for several week. People with knowledge of the matter, who insisted on anonymity because the negotiations are confidential, said that the discussions are expected to be completed before NBC’s coverage of the Summer Olympics begins in late July.
Despite the negotiations, sources told the Times that Curry has struggled with a decision to move on, as she considers her post on "The Today Show" her dream job. She has, however, hired an attorney to help her with the negotiations, Robert Barnett. Barnett previously represented Christiane Amanpour after she left ABC News' "This Week: to become a foreign correspondent for the network as well as an anchor on CNN.
NBC had not decided on a replacement yet, although Savannah Guthrie, the co-host of the show’s 9 a.m. hour, has been mentioned. Guthrie often fills in for Curry when she is absent. Vieira, currently a special correspondent for NBC News, has also been mentioned, but she has previously told friends that she would not consider returning to "The Today Show" on a full-time basis.
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