Ann Curry's Graciousness and Magnanimity of Character

Ann Curry’s Graciousness and Magnanimity of Character

I write to applaud Anny Curry for her indescribable graciousness and magnanimity of character in her recent response to the unjust termination of her role as a Today Show co-host.  I contend the network executives at NBC erred grossly in making her the scapegoat because of the declining ratings.  After years as the unchallenged number one morning news and entertainment program in the United States, the Today Show experienced a drop to second place.  Surpassed by a competing show which successfully lured away viewers from yet another competitor, NBC Today Show executives decided they needed to take direct, firm and bold action to remedy this hemorrhage of its viewing audience.  They mistakenly looked for the most obvious and convenient person to blame for their woes.  Ann Curry whom they promoted a year ago became the personification of their decline in ratings.  Although she did not deserve this unjust treatment, Ann Curry conducted herself with poise, professionalism and graciousness.  Her example will help many younger professionals in the future as they encounter similar inequitable and unfair circumstances.

News reports revealed Curry did not originally retain an agent in her contract negotiations with NBC.  After fourteen years with the network and the Today Show where she began as a news anchor, Curry proactive sense of loyalty toward people with whom she worked for nearly a decade and a half and of whom she had grown rather fond led to her support of a mutually beneficial agreement without a third party who could potentially damage her relationships.  In retrospect, it appears NBC executives relegated her misguided loyalty as being a weakness in her character.  In a very demeaning manner, they leaked their upper level discussions about replacing her as the remedy to their newfound woes.  What should have remained a very private and confidential matter until a resolution had been achieved became fodder for the twenty-four hour news cycle.  Her future role in network news hung in the balance as myriad pundits offered their “two cents worth” of analysis.  Still, Curry conducted herself with character and class as she resisted the easy temptation to send numerous disparaging tweets, emails and text messages.  Apparently, she enjoys a large Twitter following who could have pounced on the juicy, succulent flesh of gossip, innuendo and insult.  Refusing to descend to such depths of character, Curry protected her interests and those of her family as she retained legal counsel and remained silent.  Her wisdom demonstrates powerfully silence can resound and resolve an unjust situation if used appropriately.

Approximately a week before her last day as a co-host on the Today Show, most news agencies reported the possibility that Curry may refuse to appear on the show.  A flurry of Internet stories stated the backup plan of NBC executives to fly a coworker into New York City from another city to cover were Curry absent.  Instead, epitomizing acceptance, confidence and professionalism, she arrived promptly at work and sent a minimalist yet sincere tweet to her following.  Again, she exemplified self-esteem, poise and an incredible work ethic from which undeserving persons benefited.