Ex-'Today' anchor Ann Curry seeks release from NBC contract

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NEW YORK, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. broadcast journalist Ann Curry has formally asked NBC to release her from her contract so she can take an anchor job at CNN, RadarOnline reported.

NBC demoted Curry last summer from "Today" show co-anchor to correspondent in an effort to shake things up after the popular morning program started to slip in the ratings.

"Ann wants out of her contract, big time," the website quoted an unnamed source as saying. "She has formally asked her attorney to explore exit options from the network. However, NBC bosses have indicated they are unwilling to release Ann from the contract."

Radar said Curry's pact with NBC includes a non-compete clause, which prevents her from working at a competing news outlet for two years if she quits.

However, her lawyers contend NBC violated the terms of her contract by booting Curry out of the "Today" anchor's chair.

TVGuide.com said Curry is in line to fill the CNN time slot currently held by Anderson Cooper.

Cooper and the cable network recently announced his talk show would not return next season.