Prophetic banner a case of art imitating life for Curry …
With ratings trending downward, NBC has decided that the duo of Matt Lauer and Ann Curry is not cutting it on the TODAY show.
The network has been negotiating a new role for Curry. She has reportedly hired media lawyer Robert Barnett to represent her interests in talks that have been taking place for several weeks and will likely result in what Forbes is referring to as “a very public demotion.”
Ann took over for Meredith Vieira last June after fourteen years as the news desk anchor, a job that is now handled by Natalie Morales.
After enjoying several decades of solid #1 ratings, TODAY took a big hit in April when GMA surged ahead.
Reports suggest that Matt Lauer, who recently renewed his contract, was adamant during negotiations that he needed a new co-anchor in order to bring the ratings back.
On Wednesday an embarrassing banner headline appeared as Curry was interviewing a guest. It read: ‘Here Today, Gone Tomorrow.’
NBC reportedly offered former co-host Meredith Vieira another go at the job with a bump in pay but she turned them down. She did, however, jump at the chance to report for NBC during the London Olympic Games.
Another name being tossed around as a possible Lauer sidekick is Savannah Guthrie. We personally think that Natalie Morales or Hoda Kotb might be the better choice.
With the noise level reaching a fevered pitch, it seems likely that NBC will show their hand soon.
Check out a photo of Lauer and Curry below:
Photos: Video Screen Shots