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Perky Katie Couric going to CBS to replace Rather....
NEW YORK - On her 15th anniversary on "Today," Katie Couric told viewers Wednesday she's leaving NBC to join CBS, where she will become the first woman to anchor a network weekday evening newscast alone.To replace Dan Rather - another 'fake-but-accurate' anchor. "I wanted to tell all of you out there who have watched the show for the past 15 years that after listening to my heart and my gut two things that have served me pretty well in the past I've decided I'll be leaving 'Today' at the end of May," she said. "I really feel as if we've become friends through the years." Obviously not intended for Rantburgers.... Hours later, CBS confirmed that she will be anchor and managing editor of the evening news. Couric, 49, will also do prime-time specials and contribute to "60 Minutes" as part of the five-year deal.
"I'm personally so excited that Katie Couric is coming to the CBS News family," said Leslie Moonves, CBS Corp. president. "With this move, our news division takes yet another giant leap forward. Katie is simply one of the best in the business and represents a tremendous addition to CBS News." Damn... what the hell is that I just stepped in? Following a months-long guessing game that has consumed the TV industry, Couric chose the 15th anniversary of her first day as "Today" co-host in 1991 to say it's time for a change. "Today" ran a clip of her first day with then co-host Bryant Gumbel, which Couric joked was "172 hairstyles" ago. "Sometimes I think change is a good thing," Couric said. "Although it may be terrifying to get out of your comfort zone, it's also very exciting to start a new chapter in your life." So Couric... when will you leave your comfort zone and become a real journalist? "It's hard to imagine being here and not having you sitting next to us," co-host Matt Lauer told her. The bold move simultaneously forces NBC to find a new team for "Today," television's most profitable news program, and gives CBS News President Sean McManus a major success in his effort to lure more stars to his beleaguered news organization. And of course replacing one lying, egotistical, asshole with another lying egotistical asshole always works...... Couric, Lauer, newsreader Ann Curry and weathercaster Al Roker have formed TV news' most successful morning team in history since 1997, with "Today" riding an unprecedented 10-year streak at the top of the ratings. During that time, morning news programs have simultaneously grown in influence sunk in ratings.... and have become important entertainment vehicles. The job required Couric to both interview presidents and don goofy costumes on Halloween, not to mention having to wake up well before dawn. "Today" is currently seen by about 6 million viewers a day, while the "CBS Evening News" has been averaging upwards of 7.5 million. But it's a significant change in status from top dog to underdog: Thats ok, I hear Couric likes it doggie (ah... nevermind....) CBS' evening newscast has been at the rear in the ratings for many years. The lure of trying something new and making history in the evening proved enticing to Couric. Journalist are supposed to RECORD and REPORT history - not make it (or make-it-up as Rather did....) She spurned a more lucrative offer about $20 million a year to remain at NBC and accept the CBS Corp. offer, the person close to Couric said. Posted by: CrazyFool 2006-04-05 |
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