NEW YORK - By 2012, Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira will both have departed the "Today" show, leaving no big stars on NBC's No. 1-rated morning show, according to reports from Entertainment Tonight and TV Guide.
Lauer reportedly plans to resign when his contract expires in December 2012, while Vieira's contract could free her this September.
The timing of the news is interesting because Lauer's former "Today" co-anchor Katie Couric is also said to be preparing her exit from "CBS Evening News" later this year and has been in discussions with various networks, as well as former "Today" show producer Jeff Zucker. Some are already speculating that Lauer is considering reuniting with Couric and Zucker on a new project.
For several months, Vieira has been discussing extending her deal with NBC News, but TV Guide reports that she's getting tired of the early morning hours and wants to move on. She has said that she wants to focus on the health of her husband, who has battled multiple sclerosis and cancer, when making decisions about her future. Ann Curry, who once said she "would've loved" Vieira's job, is considered a leading candidate for her replacement.
All three anchors are currently in talks about their contracts, so if rumors happen to be circulating about their departure, it might work in their favor.
