NBC looks to unseat Ann Curry from 'Today Show' post prior to the Olympics

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By Michael Santo 2012-06-20 23:39

Only about a year after being promoted to co-anchor on "The Today Show," Ann Curry may be out.

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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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
Well, NBC, after being a dedicated Today Show viewer for decades, you finally went too far. Forcing Ann Curry out is nasty and tasteless. I'll be one of the growing number of views of Good Morning America now! Shame on you, NBC.

Submitted by Tina Thompson (not verified) on
I'm shocked. I love Ann Curry; she is a class act! As a 20 year veteran viewer of the Today Show, I have observed Gumble, Couric, Viera, all come and go. I confess, Viera was my least favorite (although I thought she was excellent on The View.) I was thrilled to see Ann Curry take her place. I can't imagine why NBC would make Curry the scapegoat for their falling ratings. Perhaps they should consider the smugness that Matt Lauer exudes. I use to have a crush on him, but as years have passed, he eminates an attitude of self importance that has gotten harder and harder for me to watch. Curry, Morales and Al Roker are the characters that have sustained my viewership since Couric departed. Unless Morales takes on Curry's role, I too, will switch to Good Morning America.

Submitted by Tina Thompson (not verified) on
I'm shocked. I love Ann Curry; she is a class act! As a 20 year veteran viewer of the Today Show, I have observed Gumble, Couric, Viera, all come and go. I confess, Viera was my least favorite (although I thought she was excellent on The View.) I was thrilled to see Ann Curry take her place. I can't imagine why NBC would make Curry the scapegoat for their falling ratings. Perhaps they should consider the smugness that Matt Lauer exudes. I use to have a crush on him, but as years have passed, he eminates an attitude of self importance that has gotten harder and harder for me to watch. Curry, Morales and Al Roker are the characters that have sustained my viewership since Couric departed. Unless Morales takes on Curry's role, I too, will switch to Good Morning America.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on
I haven't made a comment before concerning anything to do with NBC, but feel a need to now. My wife and I love Anne Curry as co-host of the Today Show. She is a refreshing replacement for Ms. Vierra, whom we felt was a little arrogant. Ms. Curry showed respect and class with anyone she interviewed and worked well with the rest of the team. She was humble and again respectful, which is hard to find on news shows today. We respectfully request you stand behind Ms.Curry and let her grow with her host position. If you choose to release her, please keep her as a part of the NBC family. She is a valuable refreshing person in the war of the ratings system. One other item on my mind. I don't know for sure who Harry Smith works for now. He's been around the networks for a while. My wife and I also find Harry as a personal down to earth newsman. If you don't have him, you should! I believe he would make a great replacement for Sunday Morning when Maurice Shaver retires. By the way, we love Mr. Shaver and Sunday Morning. In fact, we love the news programs on NBC. To watch another network wouldn't be right for us to start or finish our day. Tnank you for allowing me to post this for my wife and I!

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