"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.'"