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USA Edition | Today Is Sunday, March 21, 2010 |
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USA Edition | Today Is Sunday, March 21, 2010 |
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Katie Couric with Evening News EP, Rome Hartman
New York – Being a grossly overpaid network news anchor just ain’t what it used to be. Everybody, including this publication, has an opinion about value, performance and newsworthiness. That’s not entirely new, but Chet Huntley, John Chancellor and Walter Cronkite never suffered the depth and breadth of attacks and speculation that has followed Katie Couric during her embarrassing two year stint at The CBS Evening News.
It’s not that she embarrassed herself either, for she was hired to front an illusionary newscast — one that often featured hard news, but only when there was no reasonable alternative. Couric’s two years at the CBS anchor desk were defined by others. She was hired by one of most skillful television programmers in the business today ( Leslie Moonves ) and managed by one of the least competent news division executives in the business ( Sean McManus ). Along the way, everyone made a lot of money — for in network television that’s what matters.
Blackrock -- CBS Headquarters, New York
In the first year it was Couric’s hair-do, short skirts and quirky features that seemed important to the nattering nabobs. No more, for while serious journalists were incensed at CBS’ eroding journalistic qualities, they were appeased when producer Rome Hartman was replaced by hard-nosed hard news producer Rick Kaplan. The news segments improved under Kaplan to where they are equal or better, on most nights, than both their competitors.
Couric’s second season began with her embarrassing Iraq trip last September. While the news value of the trip was not its principal purpose, it had many good moments. What it lacked was depth and substance. By the time it became clear that the Iraq trip was merely an illusionary tease, the trip was seen for what it was — a desperate attempt to reviving a failing broadcast.
With season two coming to an end soon, the nattering nabobs sense blood in the water. Speculation is rampant that Couric either plans to quit or is certain to be fired perhaps as soon as the end of May sweeps. Maybe — but, whether right or wrong, one has to realize the immense pain such speculation imparts on Ms. Couric.
Recent New York Times Coverage
She deserves better. She gave it her best. She’s got guts and moxie, and she is an indefatigable television star. Maybe the CBS Evening News will become a chatty talk-show next fall — one with big name guests and the ratings they can produce. Maybe Les Mooves will come to understand Dan Rather was right about one thing — that Moonves doesn’t know much about news. Or maybe, as has been promoted here, Harry Smith might take the reins.
Whatever it is, Katherine Anne Couric will do just fine. We wish her well.
