NBC's interest in Meredith Vieira as a possible replace ment for Katie Couric is reportedly heating up.

Vieira herself has said she wouldn't rule out the possibility of jumping to the "Today" show if Couric decides to leave NBC for a CBS anchor slot. There's nothing official, of course, and while the Philadelphia Inquirer reported yesterday that NBC execs have had "several" meetings with Vieira, insiders say the Vieira-to-"Today" scenario is remote, at this point.

Vieira, for starters, has never coveted a morning-show gig, which requires brutal hours. As a working mom, she has a convenient schedule as co-host of "The View" (which airs live at 11 a.m.) and as the host of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."

Vieira's contract on "The View" expires this summer, while her "Millionaire" contract has two more years to go, according to the Inquirer story. Couric's deal with NBC prevents her from negotiating with CBS until May, although it is believed that discussions are under way with NBC officials to allow her to at least field an offer from the rival network sooner.

NBC brass is said already to have a plan in place and ready to go if Couric departs. The network has reportedly offered Couric around $20 million a year to stay, but is waiting for her decision - which, sources say, she won't make until she is allowed officially to hold talks with CBS.

--Anyone is better than Couric.

Source: New York Post

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Posted by Lawren at March 15, 2006 07:36 AM | Trackbacks (0)

You Said

I hope Meredith gets the position. I remember she left 60 Minutes after only about 2 years because they were giving her trouble over her pregnancy.

Says: Nanc' at March 15, 2006 07:43 AM

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I'm with you, Lawren. I never have been able to stomach Katie. I've watched Meredith on the View a couple of times, and she's not bad. I think I'd prefer if they went with a complete unknown, though.

Says: tortoiseshelly at March 15, 2006 10:10 AM

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