Katie Couric Expected to Announce Move to ABC Soon

Deal would include syndicated daytime show, contributions to ABC News

Katie Couric could announce as early as Monday a move to ABC that would include a syndicated daytime talk show and contributions to ABC News, a person familiar with the negotiations tells TheWrap.

Though the deal is not complete, it is close, and should be announced at some point next week if not Monday, the person told TheWrap. The deal is expected to bring Couric to daytime in fall 2012, at a time when daytime programming is in flux.

Also Read: Scott Pelley Replacing Couric at CBS 'Evening News'

Couric is wasting no time: Her current, 5-year contract with CBS ends this weekend. Scott Pelley will take her place as the anchor of "CBS Evening News" on Monday, and an announcement then could upstage his debut.

Couric had narrowed her choices to remaining with CBS or going to ABC after talking to both networks, as well as CNN and NBC. She formerly hosted NBC's "Today," with Matt Lauer, who recently said the two were not destined to reunite on a new show.

Also Read: Matt Lauer: Katie Couric Pairing 'Not Going to Happen'

Oprah Winfrey's exit from the airwaves likely leaves an opening for new daytime personalities, including Anderson Cooper, whose show will debut in fall, and now Couric. The daytime shake-up also includes the cancellations of two beloved ABC soaps, "One Life to Live" and "All My Children," which ABC will replace with self-improvement-themed reality shows.

Soap fans have expressed concerns that Couric's show could force the cancellation of "General Hospital," another much-loved soap.

The expected announcement was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

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