Vieira leaving ‘Today’

By David Bauder

AP Television Writer

NEW YORK

NBC’s “Today” show faces a transition with Ann Curry replacing Meredith Vieira as the show’s main co-host, but just as important is the transition that the morning television program won’t have to make.

Matt Lauer said Monday that although he talked to Katie Couric about the idea of teaming for a syndicated talk show, “it’s not going to happen.” With his NBC bosses looking on, Lauer said that “I’m going to be here for a long time.”

Lauer has been with the show since 1994 and is the linchpin of its remarkable run: More than 15 years without losing a single week in the morning ratings.

Comparatively speaking, Vieira was the newbie among the show’s core four that also includes Lauer, Curry and Al Roker. She replaced Katie Couric five years ago. At 57, with daughter, Lily, graduating from high school next month, Vieira said it was time to go. Her last broadcast will be June 8.

Natalie Morales will replace Curry in the newsreader’s role.