Ann Curry Begs NBC To Release Her From Contract So She Can Take CNN Job, Details
Ann Curry begged the network NBC to let her out of her contract so she can accept a position at CNN, according to a report.
Jeff Zucker, "TODAY's" former executive producer and one-time NBC Universal head, will take over CNN in February and Curry is reportedly a favorite of his to take over the 8 p.m. time slot currently occupied by Anderson Cooper.
A source close to the situation said Curry asked her lawyers to look into the matter and see if she can escape her NBC contract, even though the network's executives might not be willing to cooperate, according to Radaronline.com.
"Ann wants out of her contract, big time. She has formally asked her attorney to explore exit options from the network," the source said. "However, NBC bosses have indicated they are unwilling to release Ann from the contract.
"If Ann were to just quit, there is a non-compete clause, which would prohibit her from working for another news outlet for two years."
The insider added that Curry's lawyer feels "there is a very strong case to be made" that NBC breached terms of its contract with Curry because she was demoted from "Today."
"Today" show ratings plummeted ever since Curry was replaced by Savanna Guthrie in late June, and the once No. 1 morning show now trails behind their biggest rival, ABC's "Good Morning America." An insider said numbers might not improve until Curry is released from her NBC contract.
"As long as Ann remains at NBC, it will be a constant reminder to everyone of how badly the situation was handled," the insider said. "'It would be so much better for NBC, Ann, and CNN if she was let out of her contract.
"It would be a new beginning and a chance for all parties involved to move on, once and for all."
Curry's former colleagues anonymously also disclosed that fellow news anchor Matt Lauer is "hated" by NBC executives and longtime staffers for possibly having a hand in her departure. Her former co-host has been under fire from critics and sources said people blamed him for Curry's removal by telling him "You got Ann fired. Does that make you happy?"
