“I Think” NBC Execs “Would Like To Morph Natalie & Campbell Together”

“Executives at NBC News are getting serious about grooming a successor for Today coanchor Katie Couric,” Stephen Battaglio reports in the latest issue of TV Guide. “They are close to signing a long-term deal with MSNBC’s Natalie Morales.” She will “become a full-time correspondent” for Today and earn more airtime in the 9 a.m. hour.

But Morales isn’t a shoo-in for the seat. “While the charming Morales is a favorite within NBC News, Weekend Today co anchor Campbell Brown has more experience in hard-news reporting and would also be a serious candidate to join Matt Lauer on the weekday show. Says one person familiar with the talks, ‘I think they would like to morph Natalie and Campbell together.’”

Create a social media strategy, launch your campaign, and track the results in our Social Media Marketing Boot Camp starting February 16. The online event and workshop will feature speakers including The Onion‘s Baratunde Thurston (left), Facebook’s Morin Oluwole, and bitly’s Tim Devane. Register now.