NBC to Pay Ann Curry $10 Million to Exit TODAY

As first reported on TMZ.com, TODAY show anchor Ann Curry will receive a payment of $10 million from NBC upon her departure from the morning news show. According to the report, the co-anchor had signed a contract for $10 million a year. After appearing on Today for only one year, she will receive that amount when she leaves the job. 

Last week, The New York Times reported that talks to drop Curry from the morning news program have been in the works for weeks as NBC executives attempted to find another assignment for her. Curry has had a presence at NBC for the past fourteen years, holding down several positions including news anchor for 'Today.'

While the 'Today' show continues to hold on to the number 1 ratings spot in morning viewers, ABC's Good Morning America has recently given the show a run for its money with the popular co-anchor team of Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos at the helm. GMA beat Today in the ratings for several weeks this spring.

A multitude of sources report that NBC legal expert Savannah Guthrie will most likely take over as co-host of Today during the 9:00 am hour. An announcement that Curry will exit to become an NBC News foreign correspondent is expected to be made later this week.

Photo credit: Peter Kramer/NBC