Nearly three years after her messy exit from Today, Ann Curry is finally leaving NBC for good, an NBC News source confirms to The Hollywood Reporter.
The veteran broadcast journalist and anchor, who's seen her screen time on the network dwindle since being publicly forced out of the morning flagship in 2012, is negotiating an exit from her $12 million annual contract — as first reported by the New York Post.
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Curry is not cutting ties altogether. While she pursues reporting on other platforms and networks, including NBC News, she's also developing a media startup backed by NBCUniversal. It will focus on incubating and producing content of national and global importance with a multi-platform distribution approach.
"This is about reaching for the edge of the future in journalism, which we know is undergoing an irrevocable transition. I am excited about working to become a valuable link between traditional media and what is to come," said Curry. “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."
Curry has been something of a pinch hitter for NBC News since her tearful Today exit. She holds the title of anchor-at-large at Today and NBC News national and international correspondent/anchor. Though it means she has had no regularly scheduled appearances, it has prompted seats at the anchor desk on Nightly News and Meet the Press.
The question of Ann Curry's NBC News departure has been more of a when than an if since she left her day-to-day gig. It was first thought that the newswoman would use an early 2014 window to break free from her contract, though she ultimately ended up staying on for another year.
“We’re proud to support Ann in her new venture, and we look forward to more of her exceptional storytelling,” said NBCUniversal News Group chairman Pat Fili-Krushel. “She is committed to uncovering critical issues, humanizing them, and ultimately helping viewers understand and connect.”
"I am sincerely grateful to NBC News for allowing me to offer viewers a vast and diverse body of work, including a depth of humanitarian reporting I understand still resonates," added Curry, who's been with the network for 15 years. "It has been a privilege to work with so many good and talented people at the network and I look forward to what we will do ahead. At the same time, I can't wait to expand my reach and work with people I admire in other places."
