The New York Post reports that there are "exactly 100 days until Katie Couric's contract on the 'Today' show expires — and NBC seems to be preparing for bad news."
Based on two different leaks, the Post says there is proof that Couric is ready to "take over the anchor desk at 'CBS Evening News.'"
First, TV Guide reports that Natalie Morales has moved to the top of the replace ment list if Katie bolts to CBS.Morales is close to signing a long-term deal with the network, which would move her out of MSNBC, where she's been a daytime anchor since 2002, to become a "full-time correspondent" for "Today."
Meanwhile, the authoritative trade magazine Broadcasting & Cable is reporting that "NBC lawyers have told Couric's agent, CAA's Alan Berger, 'not to put us through hoops' . . . if Couric doesn't really plan to stay."
According to the magazine, Katie has already begun talking to several close and trusted colleagues — "hypothetical, what-if" conversations, it called the talks — about coming with her if she jumps.
Morales has already begun appearing regularly on the third hour of "Today."
