Will Ann Curry be replaced by Savannah Guthrie?Is Ann Curry on the outs with NBC? According to numerous sources, including The New York Times and USA Today, "Today" show host is in talks to leave the morning news program after a rocky first year on the job.
Curry replaced the popular Meredith Vierra as co-host alongside Matt Lauer last June. Since then, the "Today" show has run into ratings problems. During sweeps, "Today" lost its longtime status as the top morning news program to its ABC rival, "Good Morning America." For the first time in more than 800 weeks, ABC took the ratings crown. You can be sure that was a bitter pill to swallow at NBC.
The New York Times reports that officials from NBC are discussing whether Curry will stay at the peacock network in a different role. Curry has hired an attorney to represent her during the talks. CBS News reports that Curry has shown an increased interest in international reporting in recent years.
Despite the rumors, Curry remained completely professional during Thursday morning's show. Lauer opened the show, saying, "As we walked into the studio this morning, all we had to say was 'ick."' He was referencing the hot and unpleasant weather gripping the East Coast, but one could easily find some hefty subtext in the line.
While no officials are speaking on the record, it is widely known that "Today" is NBC's most profitable program. Clearly, the network has an interest in seeing the program succeed, be it with Curry or without.
Should Curry leave, NBC faces a big task in finding a replacement. Savannah Guthrie, who reports for "Today," could be at the top of the list.
