If Ann Curry Leaves 'Today' – Who Should Take Her Place?
June 21, 2012
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Ann Curry is reportedly on her way out as co-host on the “Today” show. The news hit the web Wednesday afternoon, rumored to be the result of low ratings, according to the New York Times.
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“It’s hard not to take it personally," Ann told Ladies' Home Journal of the ratings. "You worry, am I not good enough? Am I not what people need? Am I asking the right questions? When people say negative things or speculate, you can’t help but feel hurt. I know NBC pays my salary but I have never doubted who I work for. I think about the people who watch. They’re the ones who matter to me. I want to feel I haven’t dropped the ball when it comes to them.”
The shakedown could mean a new job at NBC for the 55-year-old. She recently hired attorney Robert B. Barton to help with the talks. He’s the same lawyer who represented Christiane Amanpour as she transitioned from ABC News’ “This Week” to a foreign correspondent role for the network.
Ideally, Curry would like to stay with "Today." She told LHJ, “I’ve been at Today for 15 years and I’d love to make it to 20. I think eventually I want to become a teacher, like my father wanted to be, and hopefully positively influence the next generation.”
It seems the job, anchoring side-by-side with Matt Lauer, is already up for grabs. TMZ reports that NBC tried to woo back Meredith Vieira with a big contract, but she turned it down. Ann’s usual sub, Savannah Guthrie, is also a rumored replacement.
Curry’s fans rushed to show their support on Thursday, when mid-show, she tweeted, “Good morning twitterverse.”
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If this is a team effort on the Today show, then NBC should fire not only Ann Curry but also Matt. The ratings are down not because of just one person. You have got to be kidding. It seems to me that Matt always escapes being fired when the rating are down and every cohost a women no less has either been fired or left. I feel a discrimination suit come on. Why doesn't NBC try firing Matt and have a new male cohost for the Today show and see what happens to the ratings after that. It's obvious that the ratings are down because NBC keeps firing the wrong people. Matt has been there awhile and all is not well with NBC TV's morning show.
Excuse me. The ratings are low because Matt Lauer is boring. Bottom line. And he bases his presentation after his mentor, Brian Gumble. There's nothing at all wrong with Ann. She's the breath of fresh air on the show everyday.(if there is one) The network is blaming the wrong person. I think they made a big mistake. But, at least Ann doesn't have to hear their crap anymore! Nobody can replace Ann.
Yes, Ann is great but the chemistry and connection aren't there. But Savannah would be worse.
Ann Curry is genuine, intelligent and a caring person. She is a major asset to the Today show. She has covered risky assignments and brings a lot of knowledge to the show. I once watched the Today Show every morning faithfully, but I have now switched over to GMA, not because of Ann but Matt is the reason I chose to switch networks. I have noticed over the years his gestures towards Ann have always been negative, maybe it is Matt Lauer who needs to go and Ann Curry should stay.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN was orignally primed to replace Katie Couric and was passed over. She is now ready for the co-anchor spot. She truly is a qualified newsperson.
If they think their ratings dropped now, if Ann leaves they'll really drop!!!!! ANN SHOULD STAY.
If you think your ratings dropped now, if Ann should leave, they'll really drop!!!! ANN SHOULD STAY.
who cares !! they make to much money,give it to a new person no one knows
I have enjoyed Ann as Meredith's replacement. I thought she was perfect and never would have thought this result of that. She is credible, likable and does have a great sense of humor and playfulness - so I am not sure why folk see her as a uptight prig. I would like to see her stay on, and would rathere NBC see WHY ABC is taking marketshare - there is something more up there than Ann Curry.
I think extra is a great show, i watch it every night. Mario Lopez does a great job.
Ann deserves to sray bit she is so good at foreign assignments and anything she reports on that she's a natural and should fight for whatever she wants.
please keep Ann Curry
This is stupid! Ann is great, better than Meredith. Keep Ann and get rid of Matt! She is not the reason for lost of first place. How about the producers first?
RE: ANN CURRY
YOU HEARTLESS BUNCH OF PIGS! ANN HAS NOT GONE YET AND YOU VULTURES ALREADY HAVE HER HEAD! SWINES! THE LOT OF YOU! THIS IS ANOTHER SHOW, ALONG WITH THE TODAY SHOW THAT I WILL NOT BE WATCHING ANYMORE IF SHE GOES! WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND....KARMA WILL COME BACK TO BITE YOU!
Ann is too serious. She was always the straightwoman in the cast. They need someone fun and zany to co-anchor with Matt.