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.
aloha AERYN BURNETT exiting cnbc. 2 bad aloha hb
Posted by: hawaii bob | May 04, 2011 at 10:42 PM
aloha Sad 2 like catnip SEC C MEREDITH VIEIRA leave but who better than the VERY leggy SEK C BEAUTIFUL ANNIE CURRY 2 replace her. : ) mahalo aloha hb
Posted by: hawaii bob | May 07, 2011 at 02:52 PM
I was afraid this would happen. She may get the position, but I dont think it will last long. They should have gotten Couric back. Matt will leave next and he is not going to be easily replaced. Just sit back and watch. GMA will probably take the first place slot from Today finally.
Posted by: K Koeberlein | May 09, 2011 at 04:57 AM
I would much rather see Meredith stay Ann Curry leave. Curry is pushy and has to be the center of attention no matter what segment of the show they are doing. She never lets a guest finish a statement when she is interviewing them. She's looking to be the anchor. If and when that happens, I'll stop watching the Today Show.
Posted by: Jim Sears | May 09, 2011 at 05:09 AM
I have to agree with the comments about Ann Curry's insipid manner. I've been watching the Today show since the 1960's. I really don't think I'll be able to watch anymore. Her interviewing style is agonizing. Her fakey empathy and melodramatic, breathy pauses are too too much. I feel uncomfortable for her interviewees. And the "hey guys" greeting to other reporters is weird and unprofessional. She shouldn't interrupt people when they're talking, which she constantly does. I could go on and on. I'll really miss the show.
Posted by: ilona | May 09, 2011 at 05:13 AM
would have loved to see Couric back. Viera is so awkward. Anne is good, but cant see her in this role.
Posted by: maizee | May 09, 2011 at 06:17 AM
I will Miss Mserdith alot. Ann is a horrible choice. I have to turn the channel even though i love Matt and Al. Ann is just awful. She can not interview people at all. Even today, it was suppose to be about Meridith and Ann stumbled through some crazy thing and was all over matt and Meredith. I also think Matt will leave after this because the ratings will tank after this. I hope NBC is monitoring the websites for comments. Please LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE!!!! ANN CURRY IS NOT A GOOD CHOICE!!!!! YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO FIX THIS!!!!!!!!
Posted by: samm24 | May 09, 2011 at 07:56 AM
Hmmm, not good choice. If you watch Today much , you soon see that Ms Curry is too much of a "dripping and fawning" kind of interviewer that becomes too enamored with whom she is talking too to be objective. She would be my last choice for a "promotion" to this post. Bland as a wet mop!
Posted by: Donnie | May 09, 2011 at 08:14 AM
This is just a money saving move. Did you catch Ann kissing Lauer's hand? Good grief. Goodbye NBC
Posted by: john | May 09, 2011 at 08:42 AM
about Time ANN, congrats!!!!
Posted by: sammy chin | May 09, 2011 at 10:30 AM
Now get rid of Al Rokker.
Posted by: jav | May 09, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Curry is a horrible interviewer who boxes people in to meet what she wants them to say. I am switched to ABC, officially.
Posted by: jim | May 09, 2011 at 12:35 PM
I've watched The Today Show for over 30 years. 5 years ago I vowed not to watch The Today Show if Ann took over. And thank God they were smart enough to not do it. I will quit watching the show once Meredith is off! Ann is the worst interviewer! I actually have to hit mute on the occasion instance that she's allowed to fill in for Meredith. Her obnoxious tone she uses when she's interviewing guests drives me crazy! She sounds so cheesy and almost whispers trying to show emotions! She is the worst person! I've read that The Today Show has been number one for over 800 episodes. I hope NBC is prepared to lose that spot and A LOT of viewers once Meredith leaves. I can't believe Matt Lauer will actually allow her to cohost! I will quit watching for sure!
Posted by: Post it | May 09, 2011 at 08:17 PM
I've watched the Today Show regularly for years and have always enjoyed it and the hosts. Now that Ann Curry has been picked for co-host I will have to say bye bye to one of my favorite programs. She is too huggy-kissy-mushy-touchy-feely for this top spot. It is actually painful to watch her sometimes. She can not do interviews without interrupting the guests or making them feel uncomfortable, that is, if she lets them speak at all after gushing all over them while trying to figure out what to ask. If she is going to do interviews she needs someone to write down the questions for her and keep her opinions and emotions checked so she sticks with the program. Why NBC doesn't see this as a poor choice is beyond me. I feel sorry for Matt having to work with her...he'll probably be next to go. Seriously NBC, please reconsider.
Posted by: BB | May 10, 2011 at 06:06 AM
Congrats Ann! It is about time. You are professional, consistent, and trustworthy. Can't wait until you take the seat! Best wishes.
Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie | May 10, 2011 at 09:10 AM