Will Savannah Guthrie Replace Ann Curry on 'The Today Show'?

The morning news program wars may have collected another casualty as reports indicate that NBC's Ann Curry may be out at The Today Show. In fact, the exodus could occur prior to this summer's Olympic Games.

Having replaced Meredith Viera, Curry's reign as co-host alongside Matt Lauer on The Today Show couch is just slightly more than a year old. Previously, she had been the news anchor, much respected and acclaimed for her reporting skills. At the time of her transition, it was widely felt that Curry had earned the slot vacated by Viera and could leave the network if not given the promotion.

However, Curry's disadvantage may be exactly what made her so successful as a news anchor. She is serious, straightforward, and to the point. What is not necessarily a strength is the fluffy banter that takes place on the prominent sofa on The Today Show set and the sometimes trivial conversation with celebrities and so-called "soft" stories.

In recent months, the show's chief rival, Good Morning America, has won several weeks in the ratings, something that had not happened for many years. Thus, it is no surprise that The Today Show is seeking change before things get worse.

The impetus for the rumors surrounding the potential co-host change comes from The New York Times which first asserted that Curry's exit was being handled in secret and that the 55-year-old journalist has hired attorney Robert B. Barnett to handle negotiations for a transition to another position at NBC. He is the same lawyer who helped Christiane Amanpour make a job switch over at ABC not too long ago.

Speculation is that the current news anchor, Savannah Guthrie, could soon be sitting at Lauer's side.