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Bye, bye, Katie. Who should take over the CBS Evening News?

M

MattParker

Media columnist Howard Kurtz reported in the Daily Beast that Katie will probably leave CBS News in June when her contract expires. He says 60 Minutes' Scott Pelley is front runner to replace her on the Evening News. Pelley is reportedly a favorite of CBS News Chair and 60 Minutes Executive Producer Jeff Fager but some at CBS are concerned he's not well enough known or have enough "flair." Those people are pushing to hire some outside "big name" (seeing as that worked so well when they brought in Katie). Others, according to Kurtz, are saying an outside hire will further damage morale in the CBS News Division.

Kurtz says there is a possibility that CBS and Katie may agree to her staying through next years' election (giving Katie more time to set up a syndication deal). Apparently renewing her contract is not on the table.

Should Katie go in June or should she get an extension? On the one hand, keeping her around as a lame duck just seems to prolong the agony. On the other hand, CBS really doesn't have a clear heir apparent they've been grooming (the way NBC did with Brian Williams). Not even an obvious "number two" or leading correspondent.

Will Katie do a syndicated talk show or (there has been some speculation) go back to The Today Show (bumping Meredith)?

Who should sit in Uncle Walter's chair? Given the declining and aging audience for the network evening newscasts, does it matter any more?
 
MattParker said:
Who should sit in Uncle Walter's chair? Given the declining and aging audience for the network evening newscasts, does it matter any more?
Click to expand...

Probably not, but I think Pelley is a solid choice, especially if CBS wants to promote from within. Are network newscast viewers really looking for flair in a network anchor, or are they looking for someone they respect and trust? I'm thinking the latter; flair tends to appeal to the young, and they won't be tuning in, regardless of how much flair the anchor has.
 
I think Harry Smith has the experience needed for that position. He's been filling in when needed over the years, so he deserves a chance.
 
IMO CBS really needs to steal Lester Holt from NBC. Scott Pelley is a 'blah' choice. Holt seems like he'd bring more life to the lethargic CBS Evening News.
 
KentBrockman said:
IMO CBS really needs to steal Lester Holt from NBC. Scott Pelley is a 'blah' choice. Holt seems like he'd bring more life to the lethargic CBS Evening News.
Click to expand...

Add my vote for Lester Holt. He would make an excellent replacement for Couric.
 
UPDATE: AP Says Katie Will Leave in June

The AP is running the story this morning citing an anonymous source at CBS, who says Katie is going to do a syndicated talk show. Network or Katie aren't confirming officially.

This whole Katie thing was doomed from the start. How can anyone take seriously when !@#$ somebody who uses a diminutive name? Really? Imagine ....
Wally Cronkite?
Danny Rather?
Dougie Edwards?
Tommy Brokaw?
Johnny Chancellor?
Davy Brinkley?
Frankie Reynolds?
Petey Jennings?
 
Re: UPDATE: AP Says Katie Will Leave in June

MattParker said:
The AP is running the story this morning citing an anonymous source at CBS, who says Katie is going to do a syndicated talk show. Network or Katie aren't confirming officially.

This whole Katie thing was doomed from the start. How can anyone take seriously when !@#$ somebody who uses a diminutive name? Really? Imagine ....
Wally Cronkite?
Danny Rather?
Dougie Edwards?
Tommy Brokaw?
Johnny Chancellor?
Davy Brinkley?
Frankie Reynolds?
Petey Jennings?
Click to expand...

Harry Reasoner?
 
He probably wouldn't do it now but I wish they would have stuck with the original replacement for Rather, Bob Schieffer. Otherwise, Lester Holt from NBC (who is almost a throw-back to old line broadcasting with his excellent delivery) and then Russ Mitchell.
 
Harry is more of a grown up name (and more common than Hank or Hal).
Dan Rather is OK (probably better than Daniel).
Tom Brokaw is OK (probably better than Thomas).
Frank Reynolds is OK (probably better than Francis).
Walt Cronkite, Pete Jennings, Dave Brinkley would work.
But Katie (as opposed to Kate, Katherine or Kat) is a little girl's name. It does not convey gravitas.
Most names ending in y or ie are kids' names (Harry is the exception proving the rule).
 
Re: UPDATE: AP Says Katie Will Leave in June

MattParker said:
The AP is running the story this morning citing an anonymous source at CBS, who says Katie is going to do a syndicated talk show. Network or Katie aren't confirming officially.

This whole Katie thing was doomed from the start. How can anyone take seriously when !@#$ somebody who uses a diminutive name? Really? Imagine ....
Wally Cronkite?
Danny Rather?
Dougie Edwards?
Tommy Brokaw?
Johnny Chancellor?
Davy Brinkley?
Frankie Reynolds?
Petey Jennings?
Click to expand...

Depends on whether you see "Katie" as a kids name. Both Rather and Brokaw used nicknames professionally.
 
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