Buzz Builds That Couric Is Eyeing Exit from CBS

Katie Couric by Theo Wargo/WireImage.com Katie Couric, who isn't even halfway through her five-year/$15-million-per pact with CBS, may vacate the Evening News anchor chair the instant the ink is dry on the next U.S. president's inauguration papers (assuming there are papers to be signed when one becomes leader of the free world). According to the Wall Street Journal, with Evening News ratings floundering and Eye execs under increasing pressure to cut costs, Couric could be gone by January 2009 — and, as previously reported, perhaps sliding behind Larry King's desk at CNN. (Who could replace Katie at CBS? Read The Biz for the likely candidates.) A CBS News rep responded to this latest buzz by saying, "We are very proud of the CBS Evening News... and we have no plans for any changes regarding Katie or the broadcast." Couric herself issued this statement: "I am working hard and having fun. My colleagues continue to impress me with their commitment to the newscast, and I am very proud of the show we put on every day." What's your take? Time for CBS and Katie to mutually cut bait? And who would you suggest as an Evening News replacement?— MWM POLL: Grade Katie's Evening News anchoring here. Related: • Are CBS News and CNN Getting Together? • Jeers: Couric Drops the Ball with Hillary Clinton • CBS Boss Calls Couric Replacement Talk "Insulting" Leave a Comment
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Posted by TV Guide Staff Apr 10, 2008 9:14 AM Report Abuse

That....actually doesn't suck.

Couric would be great at CNN and in that role. With all due respect to Larry King, he should have retired about 5 years ago.

I'm not a rabid Katie-hater, but I definitely think she has missed the mark as an anchor.

The only question is CBS - they have very little in terms of star anchor power. They have some amazing correspondents, but few candidates to take on the anchor's chair.

Posted by GuillermoIbarra

Apr 10, 2008 10:40 AM

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Katie certainly lost her lovable personality when she joined CBS. She has been transformed into what the network believes an anchor should be. She needs to find herself again and quite possibly a new outlet in which to communicate with the public.
Posted by pinkyestelle Apr 10, 2008 11:19 AM Report Abuse

Who should take her place? Anderson Cooper would make a great CBS Evening News anchor.
Posted by joeym7t Apr 10, 2008 11:30 AM Report Abuse

I love Katie and I know she's giving it her all. Katie taking Larry's place? That could be interesting.
Posted by SharonTateFan4ever Apr 10, 2008 12:06 PM Report Abuse

I've been watching Katie since her first CBS broadcast and I have thought, quite frankly, that she has been doing an excellent job. It's an added plus that my 3 yr old daughter has a strong, visible woman to look up to (not that I let her sit and watch the news anymore, but that she knows that Daddy does). I really liked the segments that they tried out at the beginning, with the commentary, and her Friday night interactions with Steve Hartman are brilliant. I will be so very sad to see her go - especially if she is replaced with another old white man! If we can have a woman and an African-American running for president, don't you think it's time to diversify the 7pm nightly news as well?

Posted by jakeorama

Apr 10, 2008 12:17 PM

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Who should replace Katie? Lester Holt, hands down. -- Rob
Posted by ShutUpRob Apr 10, 2008 4:17 PM Report Abuse

I Love Lester Holt! I'm actually a fan of Katie Couric but I just don't think she was cut off for this format. I enjoyed her much more when she was on the Today show. Taking Larry King's place is a very interesting though....
Posted by footballfran Apr 11, 2008 9:20 AM Report Abuse

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