Update: In a move to be announced on all three networks' morning shows Tuesday, ABC, CBS, and NBC are teaming up for a telethon to benefit cancer research. The telethon, titled "Stand up to Cancer," will take place in September, will feature all three evening news anchors, and will air commercial free on all three networks.
Katie Couric called the collaboration a "wonderful example of teh power of working together" in the CBS announcement:
"For people struggling with this disease, or those who will be diagnosed, scientific breakthroughs can be a matter of life or death -- literally. We want everyone to know that they can make a difference in this fight," said Couric. "Television is a notoriously competitive business. For the three major broadcast networks to join forces is a wonderful example of the power of working together, and we're very grateful to have the opportunity to reach people all over the country through this show."
The show will feature live performances by "legendary recording artists" and will be produced by Laura Ziskin, a cancer survivor herself who has produced both films and major TV broadcasts, including the Academy Awards.
Original Post: This morning on the "Today" show, Matt Lauer announced that Katie Couric will return to the program Wednesday morning with a "major announcement."
Watch:
While Lauer joked, "I think she's gonna look great as a guy," all eyes will be on the "Today" show tomorrow morning for what could be serious news. Couric's future has been up in the air since it was reported that she plans to leave CBS News before her contract expires, leading to speculation that she might jump to CNN or even return to NBC (those rumors were fueled recently when NBC Universal chief Jeff Zucker was spotted leaving Couric's apartment).
Jossip suggests that the announcement may be that Couric is switching jobs with CNN's Anderson Cooper, though it admits that the announcement wouldn't likely be made on NBC's "Today" show.
Update: Several sources, including TVNewser, report a source claiming that the announcement will pertain to a telethon hosted by ABC, CBS, and NBC, with proceeds reportedly going to cancer research. Couric's husband, Jay Monahan, died of colon cancer in 1998, and she has been a prominent spokesperson for colon cancer awareness since then. The telethon would be hosted by all three evening news anchors — Charlie Gibson, Katie Couric, and Brian Williams — and carried on all three networks.