Los Angeles NBC O&O KNBC kept the news of Ann Curry’s departure from the “Today” show a secret during its morning newscast Thursday.
Unlike its NBC sister stations on the West Coast, KNTV and KNSD, who both reported on Curry’s departure, KNBC decided not to mention the news before the start of “Today.”
Curry’s teary announcement came around 8:50 a.m. ET so NBC stations on the West Coast had to decide whether or not they were going to break the news on their shows.
KNSD in San Diego reported the news at about 6:20 a.m. PT, with anchor Marianne Kushi introducing the story by saying, “Well, this has probably been one of the worst kept secrets in our industry.”
After KNSD ran footage of Curry’s farewell, Kushi shared her thoughts on the departure.
“It’s going to be actually, personally, really strange not to see her at all on the ‘Today’ show,” Kushi said. “But, you know, she’s going to be remaining with NBC News and that’s the good news.”
Less than 15 minutes before the start of “Today” on KNTV, the station reported Curry’s exit, reminding viewers to tune in to see the entire farewell.
“That’s a tough one there,” anchor Jon Kelley said. “She’s a great journalist… just sometimes tough fitting in there.”
Here’s video of Curry’s farewell…