Veteran “Today” news anchor Natalie Morales, who also co-hosts the third hour of the NBC morning show, is weighing her options with her contract expiring in October, The Post has learned.
Among the options, she’s being discussed as a host for NBC’s sister entertainment show “Access Hollywood,” said one source.
“Natalie is moving to California,” said the source, suggesting that a move is a fait accompli.
If that happens, NBC would essentially be swapping current “Access Hollywood” host Billy Bush for Morales. Bush is expected to join “Today” as a co-host in its third hour at 9 a.m. ahead of the summer Olympics.
NBC is also talking about keeping Morales at “Today” by offering her a West Coast role, or a dual role with appearances on “Access Hollywood,” sources said.
NBC declined to comment.
Meanwhile, reps for Morales, a 10-year veteran of the morning show wars, have been in early talks with ABC about a possible slot at rival show “Good Morning America.”
An ABC insider said: “ ‘GMA’ is happy with the team they have.”
Some industry watchers have speculated that ABC might add a third hour to “Good Morning America,” as ad rates are higher than those for “Live with Kelly and Michael,” which follows at 9 a.m.
Still, the Disney-owned show is locked into long-term station deals that might prevent that from happening.
“Live” is also set to lose co-host Michael Strahan, who is jumping to “GMA” in May.
The looming changes come as both ABC and NBC are fighting for every viewer. ABC’s “GMA” finally toppled NBC’s “Today” show in total viewers in 2012, and that lead continues, but NBC is now closing the gap and is winning in the key advertiser demo among viewers ages 25 to 54 years.