"CBS executives deny it, but there's a growing feeling within the network that Katie Couric is an expensive, unfixable mistake.
So unfixable that Couric - the first woman to anchor a network nightly newscast solo - may leave CBS Evening News, probably after the 2008 presidential elections, to assume another role at the network, CBS sources say.
Despite her A-list celebrity, her $15 million salary, and a promotional blitz worthy of a Super Bowl, the former star of NBC's Today has failed to move the Nielsen needle on No. 3 Evening News since her debut seven months ago."
CBS evening blues
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
"there's a growing feeling within the network that Katie Couric is an expensive, unfixable mistake."
I could have told them that for free before they hired her.
Seriously, this is a surprise to anyone?
wow, i'm surprised.
Whatever!!!! She is great reporter
I LOVE Katie Couric!!!!
...
Whatever!!!! She is great reporter
Do you watch her show on CBS?
Two words..... Katie Cupcake!
No.... I dont watch her show....and I love her....
No Sh#t I watch her show!!!You obviously do too if you are abe to comment on how " bad " she is...
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
I liked the broadcast where they didn't time the show correctly and she was left standing there for two minutes of awkward silence.
that would be CBS's fault
Funny how CBS has been third on the ratings forever, but now it's Katie's fault? Do CBS and the producers bear no responsibility?
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/5/04
No matter how much she tries to overcome it, she lacks the sort of gravitas and seasoned journalistic professionalism that the job requires. Cronkite, Chancellor, Brinkley, Rather, Jennings, and Brokaw had it and projected authority with ease -- in part because they had spent decades in the field, in war zones honing their craft. Couric still strikes me as combination kindergarten teacher, den mother and drum majorette and I can't take her (and her moony sorrowful eyes whenever there's a tragic story) seriously. And this isn't about gender -- plenty of women from Linda Ellerbee to Christiane Amanpour to Candy Crowley project as much authority and "gravitas" as any man in the business. Frankly, I don't have any plans to watch CBS until Couric is replaced with a more seasoned anchor.
"No matter how much she tries to overcome it, she lacks the sort of gravitas and seasoned journalistic professionalism that the job requires."
Says Who????? I think she is extremely personable and gets the information over in a professional manner. Guess its just a matter of opinion!
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
"And this isn't about gender -- plenty of women from Linda Ellerbee to Christiane Amanpour to Candy Crowley project as much authority and "gravitas" as any man in the business."
I completely agree with that. Unfortunately I think these women don't measure up to the "beauty" standard that they want for head anchor.
The problem I have with Couric is that she reports everything with the same demeanor - it is the whole "gravitas" thing. I remember Walter Cronkite being horrified to realize that when he had to announce JFK's death on the air he had failed to put on his jacket and appeared in his shirtsleeves which seemed so inappropriate to him. What you heard in his voice, though, was what Couric cannot seem to muster - sincere humanity.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/5/04
And that's a shame Gotham. I personally could care less what an anchor -- male or female -- looks like as long as long as they can present the news in a strong and professional manner.
If I remember correctly Peter Jennings first try was not well received. He went out in the field and then came back a much improved anchor. Perhaps this is what Katie Couric needs.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
"I personally could care less what an anchor -- male or female -- looks like"
Same here. Especially since I'm usually multi-tasking while I have the news on and never actually look at the tv screen past the opening story.
I've always wondered, if Jessica Savitch could have dealt with her personal demons, would she have been the first woman anchor?
I miss Peter Jennings.
"I've always wondered, if Jessica Savitch could have dealt with her personal demons, would she have been the first woman anchor?"
First woman anchor?
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/12/04
Margo said everything I was thinking of saying, only better. Particularly this phrase: "Couric still strikes me as combination kindergarten teacher, den mother and drum majorette..." Hit the nail right on the head!
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
pab, Walters was the first to sit in the main chair, but she was not considered the "permanent" anchor, just the substitute. IMO, Walters was too metallic to be permanent anchor. Plus her speech patterns are annoying.
"pab, Walters was the first to sit in the main chair, but she was not considered the "permanent" anchor, just the substitute."
That is not correct. She had full co-anchor status, with Harry Reasoner, and was NOT a substitute. A fact that is easy to find out.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
"She had full co-anchor status, with Harry Reasoner"
You are correct. Katie was the first woman to single handedly anchor.
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