Ann Curry's departure from NBC News has been nearly three years in the making. She has been gut-level unhappy at the network ever since being canned from her Today co-anchor spot, a firing that caused tons of backlash and months of controversy. While she was cut from the morning program she had spent 15 years with, she stayed with the network, basically making tons of money to do little. Rather than take the $12 million-a-year paycheck for minimal work, Curry started planning her exit, and on Monday, Jan. 12, it was confirmed that she is leaving the network.
Curry will be beginning a new media start-up project that is backed by NBC Universal. She will also now be a free agent when it comes to reporting. She might pop up on NBC in the future, but she can also work for whatever outlet she pleases.
"This is about reaching for the edge of the future in journalism, which we know is undergoing an irrevocable transition. In today's world of fragmented media, this is the time to seize the opportunity to improve the way we distribute and even tell stories. I want to expand my drive to give voice to the voiceless to emerging platforms and produce both scripted and non-scripted content, in addition to continuing to report on-air about stories that matter," said Curry in an official statement about her new position.
Are you more surprised that Curry is leaving NBC or surprised that it took her so long to get out? The handling of her firing from Today drew criticism across the board and, for at least 18 months afterward, Matt Lauer was thought to be the catalyst to her ousting. His reputation was tarnished because of that and there is still a segment of Today fans who seem to blame him for the loss of Curry.
What are your thoughts on her departure? It certainly seems to be a great deal for Curry, don't you think? Comment below.
