The first female solo anchor of a network news show may be jumping ship.

“CBS Evening News” anchor Katie Couric’s contract with the network expires in early June. The buzz is that she is considering a move to daytime TV. According to sources familiar with the discussion, Couric is being sought by the syndication divisions of both CBS and NBC Universal to host a daily daytime talk show.

Both companies have sweetened the deals with special offers. For CBS, Couric would remain a part of the news division’s “60 Minutes.” NBC is offering a big role in the coverage of the 2012 Summer Olympics.

With the departure of Oprah Winfrey, the current queen of daytime talk, the crown is up for grabs. Two other entries set to vie for the title are Ellen Degeneres and Anderson Cooper, who have shows already scheduled in the 4 p.m. time slot in certain markets.

Couric could choose to extend her contract with “CBS Evening News.” However, it would be at a much reduced rate from her current salary of $15 million per year. Insiders say this scenario is unlikely.

Rising to popularity as co-host of NBC’s “Today Show” from 1991-2006, Couric joined CBS in July 2006 to anchor the nightly “Evening News” broadcast.
Jane Pauley, whom Couric replaced as co-host of “Today”, had a famous flop for her 2004 foray into daytime talk, proving there is no guarantee of success in daytime.