Ann Curry Says Goodbye to 'Today'
June 28, 2012
Television
Anchor Ann Curry said farewell on NBC’s “Today” show on Thursday after just one year as co-host alongside Matt Lauer.
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"For all of you who saw me as a groundbreaker, I'm sorry I couldn't carry the ball over the finish line, but man, I did try," she said. "I will keep trying and I'm so sorry I turned into a sob sister this morning."
"I am so grateful especially to all of you who watch," she said. "We often call ourselves a family, but you are the real “Today” show family. I have loved you and I have wanted to give you the world and I still do."
After Curry’s sendoff, the show went to a commercial with presumed replacement Savannah Guthrie sitting in Ann’s place.
What’s next for Ann? Still under contract to NBC, Ann will travel the world covering the biggest stories around the globe for shows like “NBC Nightly News,” “Dateline” and “Today.”
Ann’s departure started making headlines last week. On Wednesday night she finally confirmed the news to USA Today. In the 40-minute interview, she addressed the leaks about her exit, rumors that she lacked chemistry with Matt Lauer and the drop in “Today” ratings.
"I don't know who has been behind the leaks, but no question they've hurt deeply," she said of the media storm.
She admitted she could have used more time to work out some of the kinks, but pressed, “Matt and I have had great on-air chemistry for 14 years, been part of the No. 1 winning team for a history-making number of years. That said, I just finished my freshman year as co-host. In every single co-host's first year, there have been kinks to be worked out, and perhaps I deserve as much blame for that as anyone."
When it comes to the ratings slip, she said, "I know I am not to blame for the ratings worries. And my bosses have said to me there are many factors involved. There is no doubt that the rating wars have become meaner and less focused on our responsibilities as journalists… And the show is still No. 1 in terms of ratings.”
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Comments
What a shame. I guess nobody wants a normal person who can communicate effectively to be on television. Maybe she should have learned to yell Sunday! Sunday! or travel to places people wanted to see (not necesarily who went) or wasn't a Bush. NBC's ratings will drop considerably and they will wonder "Where in the world is Ann Curry." Honestly, I loved Ann, her delivery and honesty. I turned the channel when Jenna Bush or Matt were on. Now I don't have to switch.
You are one of the best journalists on TV and you are only going to get better with your new responsibilities. When one door closes another one opens. Ann, kick butt because you don't have to kiss butt!
ann should stay, matt is the one that should leave. he's the reason for low ratings. can't stand him.
I will not miss Ann Curry on the Today show because I will stop watching it the day she is gone. I've watched the Today show for more than 20 years but this is the straw that broke the camels back. Let us know where you will be Ann and I will watch YOU no matter where you go. God Bless you. We will always love you.
Ann is such a wonderful lady, she was great at what she did don't think it is fair she is leaving, I also loved Viaira but she was not that good at times it looked like a real effort for her.
Good luck Ann at what ever you do & I know you will do well.
Jeri
Ms. Curry, you are the epitome of grace, kindness, humor, curiosity and compassion. Your empathy and humanity are why I watched the Today Show. In an increasiningly sensationalistic and youth-oriented media, you have always been a role model and breath of fresh air. I am deeply sorry to see you caught in this shallow game of ratings over meaningful content. I look forward to following you elsewhere in the future and wish you the very best!
Ms. Curry, you are the epitome of grace, kindness, humor, curiosity and compassion. Your empathy and humanity are why I watched the Today Show. In an increasiningly sensationalistic and youth-oriented media, you have always been a role model and breath of fresh air. I am deeply sorry to see you caught in this shallow game of ratings over meaningful content. I look forward to following you elsewhere in the future and wish you the very best!
Ann is a class act and you treated her SHAMEFULLY! I am an NBC person all the way from news to Days to prime time. I am DONE!!! Thinking GMA and ABC will be happy to have me !,
Ann this is not a set back but a set up for bigger and better things. Just remember, what God don't want the angles in heven cannot have. In a few months you are going to look back at this event see it is the best thing that could have happen for you. When you shear your story with others it will be a blessing. I love and enjoyed you in the monings when I was off. God bless you Ann.
MAT NOT ONLY LOST HIS HAIR....HE HAS LOST HIS MIND IF HE THINKS THAT ANN CURRY IS THE REASON FOR DECLINING RATINGS. MAT BULLIED HIMSELF OVER ANN! WHAT EXCUSE WILL YOU HAVE NOW, THE SHOW WILL CONTINUE TO DROP. MAT IS BORING AND BRING NOTHING EXCITING OR NEW TO THE SHOW COMPARED TO ABC GOOD MORNING AMERICA. ROBIN AND HER CREW IS YOUNG FUN AND EXCITING AND NEW. MAT YOU BLAMED ANN ....LOOK IN THE MIRROR THE TWO WOMEN BEFORE YOU BROUGHT THE RATINGS, WHEN MEREDITH LEFT...YOU ARE NON IMPORTANT FACTOR THAT IS DULL AND BORING. BRIAN GUMBLE IS THE ONLY PERSON TO SAVE THE SHOW.... NOT YOU!
I have been a loyal Today show viewer for many a year, but I am sorry to say no more. I was so excited about the direction of the show when Ann Curry became co-anchor. I loved her insight, her sincerity, and that she really cared about the people and not just the story. I felt NBC made such a great choice. I liked Katie, and Meredith but Ann brought something to the show neither had and now she's gone. Good Luck Ann I will be looking forward to seeing you on Dateline or wherever life leads you.
Ann Curry was not the reason for the drop in ratings, Ann Curry added a fresh, new perspective. The Today show is stale, people tuned in to watch Meredith Viera, she was fresh, fun, interesting which is why Ann Curry was such a great replacement for her. Now that Ann Curry is gone it will be curious to see how they justify the continuous drop in their ratings. Ann Curry is wonderful, intelligent, interesting, talented, she is going to go on to bigger and better things.