Ann Curry, the fired "Today” show host, has accepted a $10 million golden handshake from NBC, according to the New York Post.
The 55-year-old Irish American journalist has been the subject of speculation since word leaked that she would soon replaced on her morning show — even though she was still at the beginning of her three-year deal with the network.
According to the New York Post, Curry's original deal as co-host was valued at around $20 million, resulting in a $10 million paycheck for the final year of her contract.
NBC is famous for supplying golden handshakes to the stars it shows out the door.
Fellow Irish American late-night host Conan O’Brien received a reported $45 million when the network fired him from “The Tonight Show” in 2010. O'Brien's career, far from cooling, received a substantial boost after his senseless dismissal.
Curry's settlement is a carrot to ensure she leaves the show, TMZ reported, and NBC is expected to announce her replacement later this week.
After 15 years at the network, it was a mixed send-off for the popular morning host. Curry is expected to take some time off and eventually return to the network as a foreign correspondent.
According to the Post NBC does not have another job to offer her as yet, and the other networks have not yet expressed any interest in her.
The Post claims it is likely that Curry will end up at a cable news network - most likely CNN - when her current deal with NBC runs out.
In the world of morning television, $10 million is not huge money, the Post reported. "The Today Show" reportedly makes a $200 million a year profit for NBC, making it the network's biggest moneymaker. NBC declined to comment on the reported settlement.
Curry, too, has not said anything about her departure. Savannah Gutherie, a co-host of “Today’s” third hour is widely expected to take over Curry’s job, the Post reports.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.CJRego12 | Jun 29, 2012, 10:01 AM EDT
So glad you asked what I think about it. What a freaking travesty. I'd say she got $10Mil for successfully tolerating the whiner next to her, Matt! For years he has been nothing short of a self-consumed, pain to watch, why-do-they-pay-him- (rather like Ryan frm Am. Idol!)-all that-money TV host/good politic'er. Oh my goodness, 'guess I'm just spoiled by that last 50 yrs of morning show televiewing... just think about all the past AM celebrities and, just perhaps you'll be up to speed w/me, maybe not, but ... should it be re-thought?? Unlike her co-host Matt, Ann was a way classy, down-to-earth joy of genuine-ness to watch the way she so effortlessly glided thru her show. Maybe her replacement will do well and we wish her that. I think she is at the NEXT level up. She do valiantly deserves the $10mil bye-bye pckg the network so appropriately paid and hope to see her without the ML baggage and more continued success. thnx, CjRego
peterson | Jun 27, 2012, 02:47 PM EDT
Hey Kelly, maybe you can get her job. You would fit right in !!
WoundedKnee | Jun 26, 2012, 04:33 PM EDT
Wow! Bythebay writes a good post! I'm astounded. But she is quite right to take Irish Central to task. Just what is your definition of Irish American? Is everyone included? I've seen Ann Curry a few times on TV and I never detected the slightest interest on her part in Ireland. She obviously has some Asian heritage, looks good. But it's nonsense to call her Irish American, it's the same nonsense that The Irish Voice perpetrates with its "Irish of the Year" awards to people who never knew they had an Irish connection.
Bythebay | Jun 26, 2012, 04:25 PM EDT
Antoinette Kelly, get a grip. Ann Curry ISN'T Irish American. She was born in Guam to Bob Curry, an American from Pueblo, Colorado who is of Cherokee, French, German, Scottish and Irish descent, and Hiroe Nagase, who is from Japan. Curry lives in New York City. She's AMERICAN. Conan O'Brien was born in Brookline, MA. He's AMERICAN.He lives in Los Angeles.
connemaragirl | Jun 26, 2012, 03:08 PM EDT
Really ,I can think of two people right of the top ,that should definitely be let go and Curry is not one of them, airheads !!!!!!!!!Who is charge there anyway ,they don't have a clue
carrickcourt | Jun 26, 2012, 09:16 AM EDT
"Frankly my dear i don't give a damn".