Ann Curry Begs NBC To Let Her Move To CNN, Eying Anderson Cooper’s 8 PM Slot: Report

Reports have said that Curry is begging NBC to release her from her contract so that she can join CNN. Jeff Zucker, Curry’s former boss from the “Today Show,” who will take over as president of CNN Worldwide in February, reportedly wants her to replace Anderson Cooper in the TV channel’s coveted 8 p.m. time slot.

However, leaving the job at NBC will not be that easy for Curry. According to a "non-compete" clause in her contract, if she quits without the green light from NBC, she will be banned from working for any other news outlet for two years. That’s the reason Curry needs NBC's help and permission to accept the high-profile anchor job at CNN.

"Ann wants out of her contract, big time. She has formally asked her attorney to explore exit options from the network,” a source close to the situation has told RadarOnline. “However, NBC bosses have indicated they are unwilling to release Ann from the contract. If Ann were to just quit, there is a non-compete clause, which would prohibit her from working for another news outlet for two years.”

On the other hand, Curry’s lawyers are arguing that she was dramatically demoted from "Today" in April, which was also a breach of contract by NBC.

“Ann's lawyer feels that there is a very strong case to be made that NBC has breached terms of the deal because Curry was demoted from 'Today.' Furthermore, Ann has basically been sequestered from appearing on the network. Yes, she has been doing some work that has been assigned to her, but it hasn't been steady,” the source has added.

Curry was dumped as co-anchor of the NBC morning show after “Today” lost its top spot to ABC’s rival “Good Morning America.” Her bosses thought that “a fresh face” might bring back viewers.

The source has also revealed that even after Curry’s demotion, the depressing ratings got worse, something that has "vindicated Ann Curry.”

“She wasn't responsible for the show tanking in the ratings. Ann doesn't like the fact that the show isn't back on top, but her on-air presence wasn't the problem. In fact, the show lost more viewers after Ann departed the show. As long as Ann remains at NBC, it will be a constant reminder to everyone of how badly the situation was handled. It would be so much better for NBC, Ann and CNN if she was let out of her contract. It would be a new beginning and a chance for all parties involved to move on, once and for all,” RadarOnline has quoted the source as saying.