It’s been a poorly kept secret for days, but now it’s official — Ann Curry is leaving NBC’s “Today” show.
Curry will make the on-air announcement this morning that she is leaving, which she believes will “be a bit of a tough day … I’m going to have to tell our viewers. That’s what makes me more emotional than anything. I don’t want to leave them. I love them. And I will really miss them.”
Curry’s impending departure puts an end to all speculation, as well as the embarrassment to NBC regarding her future on the morning show, which has slipped in the ratings since she replaced Meredith Vieira a year ago.
In an interview with USA Today, Curry rejected the growing idea that she was responsible for the ratings decline of the formerly top rating morning show. “I know I am not to blame for the ratings worries,” she said. “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.”
Curry has been negotiating her exit for the last several days and just reached an agreement with NBC for a new role with the network. In her new position, she will lead a 7 person team that will cover a variety of major news stories. Curry will also serve as anchor-at-large and NBC News national/international correspondent, allowing her to produce network specials and pieces for NBC News, as well as fill in as anchor on the Nightly News.
