Slowly, but surely more details are emerging about what viewers can expect to see when Katie Couric debuts as the solo anchor of the “CBS Evening News” in just a few short weeks. In past blogs I told you about various changes to the set, the theme music and the show’s format. Now, network executives are leaking out another detail—this one about a new addition to the newscast that could be your chance to join Couric on air.
According to CBS news producers, come September, the nightly newscast will include a regular commentary segment called “Free Speech.” The segment allows anyone from the average viewer to current anchor Bob Schieffer to voice thoughts about major world events. CBS is keeping open-ended the topics that will be covered.
“This isn’t our opinion,” the show’s executive producer told reporters during a recent press conference. “Our goal is to offer a new and transparent outlet for the incredible variety and diversity of voices in this country, and we believe that doing so will help make our viewers, and us, better informed.”
In the past similar “Free Speech” type segments have been employed by other networks– newsmen such as John Chancellor, Eric Sevareid and Howard K. Smith offered commentary on network evening newscasts years ago. But, those commentaries were never open to the public in the manner in which CBS plans. Network executives also say the segment won’t always deal with a serious subject; sometimes it will be a humorous take on something in the news. What’s more, CBS hasn’t committed to making it a part of every newscast. Show producers say they are not looking to create on air shouting matches – “there’s already more than enough of that on television,” they say – and they add they aren’t looking to stick to the “usual subjects.”
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