Ann Curry Gets the Boot — See Her New Replacement
Even before the door could hit Ann Curry on the way out, it seems that NBC already has her replacement lined up.
It was reported earlier this week that Curry would be leavin’ in a hurry (I had to get that in there) due to decreased ratings on the Today show with Matt Lauer. It’s rumored that Meredith Vieira was offered the anchor seat, but has declined the offer.
NBC is giving her a send-off payment, rumored at $10 million. Compare this with Matt Lauer’s new deal with the Today show: $25 million a year. The 55-year-old journalist has been with the network for 15 years, and after a needed break, she’s expected to return as a foreign correspondent for NBC News. Others say she might end up on CNN, the third-place news channel, when her NBC contract runs out.
“Her role in the news division will probably be similar to what it was before on ‘Today’ – special reports, a special correspondent title,” says Bill Carroll, Katz Television Group’s VP director of programming. “That’s quite probablewhat’s going to happen. They’ll be playing to their strengths. Her field reporting has always been excellent, that’s the area where they can best use her talents.”
This may be the best move for the show. Curry’s talents seem to mesh better with hard-hitting news. ”If you’re doing hard reporting, and you’re good at it is that moving backwards? Not everyone wants to do a cooking segment or interview Tom Cruise for the 15th time,” Curry has said.
Both Curry and NBC have declined to comment. I can only imagine how awkward it’s been for Curry and the network since these rumors leaked. She’s expected to stay on until the end of this week. Her potential replacement? Savannah Guthrie. It’s still unknown what the new co-host will be paid. We’re guessing it’ll be less than Matt Lauer’s $25 mil a year.
