Ann Curry expected to replace Meredith Vieira on 'Today'

A month ago, we told you that Ann Curry, longtime news anchor for NBC's "Today," was expected to replace Meredith Vieira as the show's co-host; over the weekend, the New York Times reported that NBC would make the announcement on Monday. (Vieira is leaving of her own accord, and if all goes as planned, Curry should take her seat in June.) Nothing's official yet -- NBC did not return calls for confirmation, and Osama bin Laden's death may have pushed the announcement back a day or two -- but NBC's expected to tap Natalie Morales, the 9 a.m. anchor of "Today," as the new news anchor, while moving White House correspondent and MSNBC anchor Savannah Guthrie into the 9 a.m. anchor spot.

The news could come at a time of great reshuffling among the network news and morning shows. Katie Couric recently confirmed that she's leaving CBS Evening News, and CBS is expected to announce Scott Pelley of "60 Minutes" as her replacement. On Friday, Erin Burnett of CNBC announced that she's leaving for CNN. Meanwhile, Couric is planning a move to daytime with her own show, leading some to speculate whether her former "Today" co-anchor Matt Lauer will eventually join her. (His contract is up in 2012, though his boss, Jim Bell, says Lauer's not leaving.)

Curry's promotion would come five years after she was passed over for the position when Couric left "Today" for CBS. Since Vieira began co-hosting in 2006, Curry has developed a reputation as a hard-news reporter, occasionally filling in on NBC's "Nightly News." We look forward to seeing her get just as passionate about interviewing drunk Ewoks and Donald Trump as she was about reporting from Kosovo, Darfur, and Pakistan.

-- Melissa Maerz

Photo: Ann Curry. Credit: NBC Universal, Inc.

Comments

[Barbara]

At last Ann gets her opportunity. She should be Meredith's replacement anyone else and I will stop watching the show.

[Jacqueline Root]

I am shocked that NBC will let Ann Curry take Vieira's place! She can hardly read the news. Count the times she says "Good Morning" when reading the news. She is constantly touching people. I will not watch TODAY with Ann being an anchor. You have so many other good people at NBC that would be much better than her.

[Bruce Spurlock]

I Like some of Ann's work, however she is not the right person/personality to replace Meredith. She may be OK as long as Matt is there, but if he leaves Today will fall off the chart. Today is not about hard news it's soft and fun and Ann is great but not the right fit. You almost need a scatter head and I don't mean that in a bad way. Kelly Ripa might work. I want to see someone fresh that makes me laugh.

[Geri]

NBC did GOOD! Ann is a great choice she paid her dues to move to the front of the class. She has proved she can handle any situation, mood, tone and personalities. I'll be watching her and wishing her a great run. GO ANN!

[Lucky Lucy]

Congratulations!

[Flo]

I think that is great. I always thought she should have been the one they chose when Katie Curic left. Never did care for Meredith Viera...she was a little too tabloidish on The View and on The Today Show. Ann Curry has been with the Today Show for a long time...and she is a very nice lady. Good pick!

[Richard]

I have watched the Today Show since Jane Pauley and Tom Brokaw hosted the show. In my opinion Ann Curry should have been selected from the get go. As far as interviews go sometimes the interviewer has a producer in their ear directing the tone of the interview. Also give her a chance she may become a great interviewer once she feels comfortable. I am coming back to the Today show because I felt Ann had gotten a raw deal. Can we please give her a chance?

[Ed Carroll]

Love Ann Curry, great no-nonsense reporter.

[Mike]

Curry's a good reporter, but NOT a perky morning person. Hire Kelly Ripa to do the fluff pieces and cooking segments.

[Michael Gibson]

Ann Curry is an excellent choice. A superior journalist and arguably the most beautiful woman in all of TV land. Well deserved.

[ronnie]

I adore Merwdith Viera, but if she has to leave, Ann's certainly earned her stripes and deserves the anchor spot.

[Jill Tretter]

I thought Ann Curry should have got the job 5 years ago! I look forward to watching her.

[john kafka]

Ann Curry has become just like the rest, and with Meredath leaving even worse. There was a time when she was fresh, and just presented the news. Too bad that is gone.

A long time viewer

[Carol Giglio]

No thank you! Ann is always so somber and seems to put a depressing spin on everything. There's got to be someone more positive and upbeat!!! I'll really miss Meredith. She's a real character. I'm praying her husband is alright!!

[william]

It's about time

[Sabrina Hernandez]

I switched from GMA to TODAY years ago because I discovered the remarkable Ann Curry! This change makes me happy!

[Alex W]

Natalie Morales? You have to be kidding. She acts like some drunken co-ed at a frat party. I wanted to slap her when she started giggling after that awful interview with Charlie Sheen. There was nothing remotely funny about watching a father, son, brother, etc. self-destruct in the throes of serious addiction/mental health issues, but there was morning show Barbie yucking it up. Ann Curry is a serious journalist; her few missteps likely came at the hands of the idiots who run the Today Show. As much as I like Couric, Lauer, Roker and Curry, I stopped watching after the press let Shrub slide about stealing two elections, 9/11, etc. My roomie watches Today every morning, which is how I had the misfortune to see the inane Morales in action. TPTB ran Today into the ground years ago, not least of which by instituting that absurd hour run by the witless Kathy Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb (shame on the latter, since she used to be a responsible journalist). That said, I wish the delightful Ms. Curry every success.

[Kaseem]

Good for Ann!! Its about time!!

[Kaseem]

It's about time!! I thought she should have gotten that job after Katie left!

[Ellen]

I really dislike Ann Curry. I hope they don't put her in that spot I will NEVER watch Today again.