Ann Curry reportedly begs NBC to release her from contract, eyes CNN job

Former NBC TODAY co-host Ann Curry is reportedly begging her bosses to release her from her contract so she can accept a high-profile anchor job at news rival CNN.

Curry is reportedly being considered to replace Anderson Cooper during CNN's 8pm slot, by her former TODAY boss, Jeff Zucker, who will take over as president of CNN Worldwide in February, according to RadarOnline.

Curry is asking to be released from her contract because she is bound by a "non-compete" clause if she quits NBC, and would be unable to broadcast on CNN or any other news outlet for two years.

'Ann wants out of her contract, big time,' an inside source told RadarOnline. 'She has formally asked her attorney to explore exit options from the network.'

Curry was demoted from TODAY in April after the show lost its top spot to rival Good Morning America.

Curry's lawyers are arguing that demotion was a breach of her contract terms by NBC.