The executives at NBC mishandled Ann Curry's exit from Today in every way possible. They never released an official announcement that she was leaving, allowing media to have a field day speculating on her exit and the conditions surrounding it.
As a regular viewer, I start every weekday morning with Today, as I prepare for the work day. A subdued Ann Curry carried out her regular duties until she bid good-bye to viewers just before 9:00 a.m. Having already started work, I missed it live and later watched a video.
If NBC could have treated her with less respect, I don't know how. Meredith Vieira received a two-hour tribute amid a party atmosphere when she departed last year. Ann was forced to wait until her final five minutes before she could say her piece. No party, no celebration of her 15 years of contributions to Today, no parting gifts. She offered an apology for somehow missing the mark, and tearfully expressed her gratitude to the regular viewers of the show. Ann revealed that NBC had given her a "fancy new title" and would lead a group of seven correspondents who will cover the globe. Whoopeee!
While Ann might not have been well-cast as a co-host of Today, she certainly can't bear the blame for the fall in ratings. That must be shared by all concerned, and, most of all, the NBC decision makers, who have had a number of bombs in the past year. Today has morphed from a show that enlightened and informed as well as entertained into little more than an entertainment venue. NBC's abysmal treatment of Ann has convinced me to switch to another morning show, despite my long-term loyalty. At the very least, NBC should issue an official apology to Ann for the appalling manner in which her departure was handled.
I sincerely hope that her colleagues planned something special for her after the show because they should display their loyalty to her and could have done more to ease her out gracefully. Shame on everyone involved in this disrespect and public display of indifference to someone who had handled tough assignments effectively! Al Roker was the only one to show deep emotion to her in an entirely too small window of
opportunity.
Ann reports hard news better than anyone else on that show and should have received accolades for that at least. What a horrible way to end a 15-year run!
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