Ann Curry Leaves Today Show - Blow To Asian Americans?

Television personality Ann Curry arrives at the Time 100 Gala in New York. (Photo : REUTERS/Lucas Jackson)

Not only did the Today Show and NBC let go of Ann Curry, it seems that they might have struck a blow at Asian Americans as well.

Ann Curry was born in Guam to a Japanese mother and a father whose roots include Cherokee, French, German, Scottish, and Irish.

Curry worked on the Today Show, as both an anchor and a co-host, from 1997 to 2012. This year, NBC decided to let Curry go, citing that ratings were an issue. It is also well-known that Curry and Matt Lauer did not get along.

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Journalists including Mike Hale from the New York Times have speculated that Curry's race and culture might have had something to do with it.

A statement from the Asian American Journalists Association reads:

'When NBCUniversal named Ann Curry as co-host of the "Today" show more than a year ago, the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) applauded the move. The hiring confirmed the network's strong commitment to diversity, so her departure from such a high-profile role is all the more disappointing.

"We wish Ann all the best as she moves forward. She has always been a supporter of AAJA's mission, and we have rejoiced in all her career successes," said Doris Truong, AAJA National President. "We hope that NBC News keeps diversity at top of mind as it makes on-air assignments for 'Today,' especially considering that Asian Americans are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population."

AAJA stands ready to assist NBCUniversal in finding journalists with diverse experiences to help report on stories that matter to the viewers of "Today."'

A Pew report from June 2012 shows that Asian Americans now outnumber Hispanics in terms of immigrants. Among those surveyed, 19 percent felt that they had been the victim of discrimination in the last year. 

What do you think? Did NBC fire Ann Curry only because of ratings, or was there prejudice behind the decision?