'America's Got Talent' Judge Piers Morgan in Talks For Own NBC Interview Show

[Brian Damage]

Piers Morgan, a judge on "America's Got Talent" and a former British newspaper editor, is in discussions with NBC to host a primetime interview show that would emulate Barbara Walters' approach, the New York Post reports.

"Back in England, I am actually better known as an interviewer. In this country, there is a bit of a gap in the market. Barbara Walters has just [semi-]retired, and I think there is an opportunity there for me," Morgan said. He characterized the discussions with NBC as "pretty close" to being finalized. "I do one-on-ones -- like Barbara Walters. I am not an entertainment talk show, late night kind of [guy]. It is more biographical interviews," he says.

Paul Telegdy, NBC's head of alternative programming, said Morgan appeals to the network because "he has a very sort of direct manner." There's no sense of how often or when the potential show would air. With Walters cutting back by dropping her Oscar special, for example, the top TV networks are seeking successors to fill her shoes.

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