the Meredith and Katie story
the Meredith and Katie story
Auggie27
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/03
#0 the Meredith and Katie story
Posted: 4/6/06 at 2:41pm
We've all oded on this "shakeup" at Today, View, CBS. But though it's easy to be cynical, and kvetch about Katie's gummy grin lacking gravitas, Merdedith's back slapping camaraderie with the freshly pruned and stapled Star Jones, or the already low ratings that make the 6 o'clock slot a time warp arena for "achievement..." I think the bigger story is age, not gender.
TV is a brutally youth-obsessed medium, and as someone just on the other side of mid-life act-break, like Meredith, I think it's telling that a 52 year old woman is replacing a 49 year old, the 49 year old making network history. How pundits leaped to predict an Eve Harrington-like ascedency of someone like, say (the admittedly capable) Campbell Brown. Maybe we've moved past Norville-esque blonde is better promotions. It's at least gratifying to see experience(s) honored. You may argue about the breadth and depth of that experience, the too-well-known personal side of the personalities, the mysteries of "weight" on camera ... but these two women have put in time, and rather than be replaced by lineless faces that look more WB than Black Rock, have earned coveted spots.
Their age is being perceived a distinctive, edge--a plus here, by suits and audiences alike. In today's world, where executives and "talent" are both routinely fired at 50, this constitutes a success story for us boomers.
"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling
Updated On: 4/6/06 at 02:41 PM
#1re: the Meredith and Katie story
Posted: 4/6/06 at 2:45pmLet's not overlook the fact that Meredith is a proven ratings-grabber. That trumps age.
Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson
#2re: the Meredith and Katie story
Posted: 4/6/06 at 2:49pm
eh, she's just an easy fill-in like the current pope. katie put it in her contract that her successor could not reach her 15 year record as host of the today show. in 15 years, meredith will likely be in the star jones reynolds gest jackson home for the aged.
XING
PED
Updated On: 4/6/06 at 02:49 PM
PED
Auggie27
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/03
#3re: the Meredith and Katie story
Posted: 4/6/06 at 2:51pmTotally agree, Rath. It's the strategy that suggests a more savy approach to evaluating the whole talent package, not just looking for someone "young and fresh." I've worked in television, and it's a demographic-obsessed biz. What they seem to be acknowledging here: younger viewers don't necessarily tune in more regularly when a young face fills the screen. I've been in meetings where that idea would've been laughed at.
"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling
#4re: the Meredith and Katie story
Posted: 4/6/06 at 2:51pmThanks for my new sig, Robb.
Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson
#5re: the Meredith and Katie story
Posted: 4/6/06 at 3:13pm
diane sawyer is 60 and not going anywhere.
bawa has been pushing 80 so long it's pleated.
people don't want youth in a broacaster -- they want solidity.
ps. katie is a skank
pps. young poeple get their news on the web
Mind is Mantra.
Updated On: 4/6/06 at 03:13 PM
Gothampc
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
#6re: the Meredith and Katie story
Posted: 4/6/06 at 3:35pmMaybe they will be the 21st Century version of Hedda and Louella.
If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
Auggie27
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/03
#7re: the Meredith and Katie story
Posted: 4/6/06 at 10:28pm
Katie is "a skank?"
"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling
slimandslam
Broadway Star Joined: 9/26/05
#8re: the Meredith and Katie story
Posted: 4/6/06 at 11:08pm
pps. young poeple get their news on the web
And old people get their news by reading a newspaper.
And people with actual jobs who are pressed for time get their news on the radio.
Really... does anyone watch TV news apart from CNN/Fox/MSNBC? Show of hands here.
#9re: the Meredith and Katie story
Posted: 4/7/06 at 3:02pm
the latest "news" :
Page Six reports today that former Everybody Loves Raymond star Patricia Heaton is set to replace soon-to-be Today show host Meredith Vieira on The View.
my only question then would be who is going to replace patricia heaton on the acme commercials? will this vicious cycle of musical chairs never end?!?
XING
PED
PED
MatthewAddison
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/10/04
#10re: the Meredith and Katie story
Posted: 4/7/06 at 6:48pm
I hope you all are more kind to me when I have my talk show.
Updated On: 4/7/06 at 06:48 PM
Mr Roxy
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/17/03
#11re: the Meredith and Katie story
Posted: 4/7/06 at 6:51pm
I prefer Meredith to perky Katie
Poster Emeritus
Updated On: 4/7/06 at 06:51 PM
#12re: the Meredith and Katie story
Posted: 4/7/06 at 6:52pm
Patricia Heaton? Oh my. Having seen her interviewed - I certainly hope she's developed some sort of personality...
And yes, Roxy, we all read that - two posts above yours.
Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson
Updated On: 4/7/06 at 06:52 PM
Mr Roxy
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/17/03
#13re: the Meredith and Katie story
Posted: 4/7/06 at 6:57pmI stand corrected re Heaton - I am editing my post. Thanks
Poster Emeritus
MatthewAddison
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/10/04
#14re: the Meredith and Katie story
Posted: 4/7/06 at 7:00pm
Ann Curry was off today. I wonder if she was taking personal time?
And someone, I don't know if it was on this board- wait---it wasn't. Said they thought the network was pruning Alexis Glick to take over, but she hasn't been on since the Winter Olympics. I'm curious as to why.
Did you all know Ann Curry is 49? I love women in their 40's...
Videos