One of the most coveted jobs in TV could open up if Katie Couric leaves the “Today” show for the “CBS Evening News.” The favorite among rumored candidates appears to be Meredith Vieira, but don’t count out up-and-coming Campbell Brown. What about newcomer Natalie Morales or veteran Ann Curry? They’re in the game too.
So who will emerge from this final four? RedEye takes a look.
Meredith Vieira
Current job: Co-host of “The View” and host of the daytime version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”
Work highlights: She joined ABC News in 1993 as chief correspondent for “Turning Point.” Before that, spent a decade at CBS News, where she was a correspondent for “60 Minutes” and “West 57th.” Was a contributing national correspondent on the “CBS Evening News with Dan Rather.”
Upside: Of the four alleged candidates, Vieira’s experience offers the best blend of reporting on hard news and doing lighter feature stories. Both are key components for any “Today” host.
Downside: Age may be an upside if NBC execs are looking for a short-term host, but if they’re not, then Vieira, who will turn 53 this year, could be at a disadvantage.
Chances: Excellent. The New York Times reported Tuesday afternoon that Vieira is in negotiations to take Couric’s job at “Today.” According to the report, she would sign a four-year contract worth at least $10 million a year.
Campbell Brown
Current job: Co-anchor of the weekend edition of “Today.” Also primary correspondent for “NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams” and the weekday “Today” show.
Work highlights: The 37-year-old joined NBC News in 1998, where she was a Washington, D.C.-based correspondent. She began her career at KSNT in Topeka, Kan.
Upside: Would be a natural progression from the weekend “Today” show and has put in the years covering hard news stories, including the war in Kosovo and President Clinton’s impeachment trial.
Downside: Is she too “hard news” for a fun morning show?
Chances: Possible. If the negotiations with Vieira were to fall through, Brown could get the “Today” gig should it become open. Her contract is up at the end of the year, and NBC may not want to lose two stars from their “Today” franchise in less than a year.
Ann Curry
Current job: News anchor for NBC’s “Today” since March 1997 and co-anchor of “Dateline NBC.”
Work highlights: Began career as an intern at KTVL in Medford, Ore., and became the station’s first female news anchor. Was a reporter at KCBS in L.A. and a reporter-anchor at KGW in Portland.
Upside: Already part of the “Today” show, so a transition would be natural.
Downside: After working as the news reader for nearly a decade, viewers may not accept her in the hot seat.
Chances: Weak. Curry, 49, is locked up at NBC and hasn’t emerged as the favorite. There’s a message in there somewhere.
Natalie Morales
Current job: Joined MSNBC as an anchor and correspondent in 2002. Also is a substitute news anchor for NBC’s “Today” and “Weekend Today.”
Work highlights: Before joining MSNBC, Morales was a weekend anchor/reporter and morning co-anchor at WVIT-TV in Hartford, Conn.
Upside: It won’t go unnoticed that Morales, who is in her early 30s, is about the same age as Couric when she was named co-host on “Today” 15 years ago.
Downside: Has the least experience of the four. Would NBC have the patience to nurture her?
Chances: Iffy. She’s signed to a long-term deal and probably needs more seasoning.
— Sources: New York Times, msnbc.com, abc.com
