Ann Curry Says She Will Say Goodbye to NBC’s “Today” on Thursday
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Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Ann Curry has confirmed the worst-kept secret in the TV biz: she’s being forced out of her anchor position on NBC’s Today show. But the surprising part: her last day on the program is on Thursday.
In what USA Today describes as an emotional interview with the newspaper, Curry says it will be a “bit of a tough day” for her, adding, “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.”
There’s been speculation that Curry is the reason why the Today show now finds itself in a neck-and-neck ratings battle with ABC’s Good Morning America after many years on top, but she denies that’s the case.
She declares, “I know I am not to blame for the ratings worries.”
Curry also scoffs at the idea that she and co-anchor Matt Lauer lacked on-air chemistry, though she says, “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.” She says she doesn’t think she was given enough time to work out those kinks.
Curry says the information leaks to the media over the past week regarding her status on Today have “hurt deeply.”
USA Today says Curry has signed a new multi-year deal with NBC News under which she’ll serve as a national and international correspondent and contribute to the organization’s many news programs. She denies reports that she was previously making $10 million per year as a Today anchor.
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