Bring Ann Curry Back to 'Today,' Online Petition Asks

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Following “Today” co-host Matt Lauer’s ouster from the NBC morning program, Ann Curry is ripe for a return to show. At least, that’s what a new online petition is hoping for.

On Wednesday, following news that Lauer had been canned from “Today” over a complaint of “inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace,” a Care2 petition called for NBC to “at least extend an offer” to Curry to come back on the show, which she exited in 2012.

Also Read: Ann Curry Double Indignity: Cruel TV Chyron, Ironic Magazine Cover

“Since NBC TODAY Show host Matt Lauer has been fired for sexual misconduct, it’s time to bring back Ann Curry, former ‘Today’ Show co-host who allegedly blamed Matt Lauer, along with a ‘boys’ club atmosphere,’ for forcing her out,” the petition reads.

Citing a report that Curry “did not get along” with Lauer while co-hosting “Today,” the petition adds, “When Curry announced on-air that she’d be leaving the show, she wept and positioned her body away from Lauer.”

With Lauer now 86’ed from the show, the petition contends, it’s time to extend an offer to Curry.

Also Read: Matt Lauer Sexual Misconduct Accusations Include Sex Toy and Exposed Genitals

“Curry now runs her own media production, but NBC should at least extend an offer to bring her back on the show,” the petition reads. “Please sign to ask NBC to invite Ann Curry back to the TODAY Show!”

Lauer’s ousting from the show was announced during Wednesday’s episode of “Today.”

“I am heartbroken,” said “Today” personality Savannah Guthrie of the situation.

Also Read: Katie Couric in 2012: Matt Lauer 'Pinches Me on the Ass a Lot' (Video)

In a memo to employees, NBC News chairman Andy Lack said that he had received a “detailed complaint” from a staffer on Monday night.

“It represented, after serious review a clear violation of our company’s standards,” Lack wrote. “While it is the first complaint about his behavior in the over 20 years he’s been at NBC News, we were also presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident.”

As of this writing, the petition has drawn more than 300 supporters, out of its goal of 1,000.

'Today' Fallout: 13 Potential Replacements for Matt Lauer, From Ann Curry to Robin Meade (Photos)

Matt Lauer has exited NBC's "Today" show after allegations of sexual misconduct, which Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb announced on the show Wednesday morning. His departure leaves a big hole in the "Today" team. Here are some potential replacements.
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Ann Curry

Fans are already lobbying online for the return of Ann Curry, who left "Today" in 2012. Since she's a veteran, she'd no doubt easily slide back in to the role, but since there was reportedly conflicts with NBC higher-ups, we're not sure how likely her return might be (or if she'd want the job).
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Carson Daly

The host of "The Voice" is already a familiar face on "Today," has plenty of experience with interviews and lots of charisma. Why not give him room to expand his journalistic chops with a higher profile role on the morning show?
Sam Champion

The "Good Morning America" weatherman has 25 years under his belt anchoring a major broadcast, so he has the experience needed for the role. He tweeted Wednesday morning after the Lauer news broke that "Network TV needs a good scrubbing!"
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Katie Couric

Couric is a beloved figure in American journalism and would certainly be a welcome face for viewers. She worked with Lauer for nine years on the "Today" show before she moved on.
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Meredith Vieira

Another "Today" alum, Vieira definitely has the experience needed to succeed in the role. The "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire" host is deft in balancing small talk with the million-dollar questions.
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Bryant Gumbel

The former "Today" anchor comes across as a class act, which is something the NBC News morning show could sure use a touch of right now. With no "Real Sports" going on right now, the guy who recently appeared on "Finding Your Roots" should return back to his roots. Should Gumbel come back to "Today," we'd insist on Jerry Seinfeld granting him an interview while donning a puffy shirt.
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Willie Geist

The "Morning Joe" co-anchor also anchor's "Sunday Today," and has filled in for Lauer in the past. He's got the experience and seems like a logical pick.
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Al Roker

Roker's lovable personality already delights viewers of "Today." If Roker wanted to forgo his weatherman duties, we could see him moving into Lauer's role.
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Hoda Kotb

Kotb co-hosts "Today" show's fourth hour with Kathie Lee Gifford, but she's also done other segments for the NBC morning show, and we could definitely see her taking on longer interviews and expanding her hosting chops.
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Natalie Morales

Morales has defined her anchor abilities on "Today," "Dateline" and "NBC Nightly News." Her interviewing and hosting skills make her a great candidate to fill Lauer's shoes.
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Josh Elliott

By many accounts, Elliott was actually brought in to NBC a few years back to eventually replace Matt Lauer on "Today." That obviously didn't work out, nor did his recent year at CBS News. But the "GMA" alum knows how to do these morning shows, so how about a little Lauer 2.0 Take 2?
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Tamron Hall

The current Investigation Discovery host has done almost every job NBC News has to offer -- including hosting on the "Today" show. The former third-hour anchor could return for the first two, and maybe rub off in a positive way on her ultimate 9 a.m. successor, Megyn Kelly.
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Robin Meade

Alright, so Robin Meade is gainfully employed with her own morning show at HLN. But maybe it's time to step up to the big (broadcast) leagues. The country music singer and former beauty queen knows her way around a TV studio, and nothing topples the patriarchy like a little girl power.
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Who will fill the shoes of the fired “Today” host?

Matt Lauer has exited NBC's "Today" show after allegations of sexual misconduct, which Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb announced on the show Wednesday morning. His departure leaves a big hole in the "Today" team. Here are some potential replacements.

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'Today' Fallout: 13 Potential Replacements for Matt Lauer, From Ann Curry to Robin Meade (Photos)

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