It seems like just yesterday that Katie Couric was bidding adieu to fans on what would be her last day as host of NBC’s “Today” show. Now we are just hours away from her debut in the history making role as the first female solo anchor of a nightly news program. It’s being called it “the most talked-about debut of the fall television season” and CBS couldn’t be happier.
In preparation for Couric’s debut on the “CBS Evening News,” the network gutted its newsroom on Manhattan’s West Side this summer and built a new one that houses Couric’s set. In addition, James Horner, who won an Academy award for composing the music for “Titanic,” wrote new music for the evening news theme. The network announced new format changes to the new Couric-infused show, including a regular commentary segment featuring “average viewers” called “Free Speech.” There have even been reports that legendary CBS newsman Walter Cronkite recorded an introduction for tonight’s show (though, according to a network executive, it was still unclear whether it would be used).
Couric has been busy getting ready for her new role too. This summer she embarked on a six-city “listening tour” to hear what viewers want to see covered on the news. In addition, she traveled to a number of local CBS affiliates to meet with staff members and get their feedback on her new job. Her publicity tour even sparked a much publicized picture controversy.
Couric’s highly anticipated debut has many in the TV news industry obsessing over everything from what she will wear to “how serious a demeanor she will present coming from the often silly world of morning TV.” Couric may have quelled some of the hype when she briefly appeared on Bob Schieffer’s final broadcast as anchor last week. The incoming anchor briefly chatted with the outgoing on camera.
“I can’t imagine following in the footsteps of a kinder, more gracious person,” Couric said.
I watched Couric on the “Today” show for nearly all of her 15 years there, and yes I will be watching her big debut tonight… after all CBS is counting on me to follow her to their network and how else will I see what she will be wearing? But, Couric’s flashy launch will not be contained simply to the evening news. According to CBS executives, Couric is scheduled to interview President Bush at the White House on Wednesday for a prime-time special, and her first “60 Minutes” report about the toxic fallout from the World Trade Center collapse is set for Sunday.
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