The Wall Street Journal reports:
After two years of record-low ratings, both CBS News executives and people close to Katie Couric say that the “CBS Evening News” anchor is likely to leave the network well before her contract expires in 2011 — possibly soon after the presidential inauguration early next year.
Given that election coverage remains a big deal for network news, it is surprising that she is not leaving sooner, but let’s look forward. Should CBS: (a) re-hire Dan Rather and settle all family business; (b) dump the first solo female anchor evah in favor a mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy; or (c) make Julie Chen anchor-for-life?
Geez. Everyone’s so broken up, they can’t think of anything to say.
Maybe she could get a job writing journal entries for Hillary?
Well, Katie’s established an ability to lob softballs to Democratic candidates, so there’s no surprise they’ll keep her there through the election. No sense risking bringing in someone who may ask a difficult question or two.
Why don’t they have Raymond do the news? I mean everybody loves Raymond.
I have noticed here in the Seattle market that the local TV news shows tend to favor Asian females. Way more Asian females than any other “minority”.
Have to give her SOME credit; it’s not every girl who can keep her cheerleading career going well into her 50s.
Julie Chen for the life of Les Moonves
Awww, I like Katie’s big girl serious glasses.
Only slightly off topic, I received an email that is a good example why I don’t watch Katie, never have, never will.
Anyway, here it is:
It’s the Politics, Stupid:
Comparing Labor Market Data in 1996 and 2008
Democrats on the Economy in 1996:
“Our economy is the healthiest it has been in three decades.†(President Bill Clinton, State of the Union Address, January 23, 1996)
Democrats on the Economy in 2008:
“The bottom line is that this administration is the owner of the worst jobs record since Herbert Hoover.” (Senator Charles Schumer, Press Release, March 7, 2008)
Key Labor Market Statistics in 1996 and 2008
March 1996 March 2008
1. U.S. Unemployment Rate 5.5% 5.1%
2. Number of Long-Term Unemployed 1.33 million 1.28 million
3. Average Weeks Unemployed 17.3 weeks 16.2 weeks
4. Median Weeks Unemployed 8.3 weeks 8.1 weeks
5. Not in Labor Force because
discouraged over job prospects 451,000 401,000
6. Democrats calling for Extended
Unemployment Benefits? No Yes
7. President’s Party Affiliation Democrat Republican
CBS evening news has done their part to convince the followers the economy is gloomy. Katie must not be doing too bad a job.
Well, I screwed that up.
The two figures at each numbered item should be arranged under 1996 and 2008, respectively.
Surely CBS can reactivate a savvy old veteran to save the day.
But I think you find something perky about her, eh, Karl?
MC,
You know, not really. Not even the cheerleader photo, which is sayin’ something.
Horatio Caine for anchorman!
I’d watch if she’d slip on the cheerleader outfit.
Julie Chen for a half-life at least…plus Sharon Tay filling in on days off…
http://www.laobserved.com/archive/2007/04/welcome_back_sharon_tay.php
Should CBS: (a) re-hire Dan Rather and settle all family business; (b) dump the first solo female anchor evah in favor a mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy; or (c) make Julie Chen anchor-for-life?
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(d) Put a flatulent cow on there instead, producing the same effect and saving millions of dollars.
#13: Holy crap. A nightly news program that opened with a Horatio Caine Zinger (complete with Shades Toggle, Frame Exit and Daltry Scream) would be totally worth it, regardless what form the editorial slant might take.
Paul,
I considered (d), but CBS is far too PC to get caught adding to global warming with all of that methane.
Overheard in the hallway:
“…now Katie, be reasonable. I don’t think ‘Fuck you, pay me!’ is the right attitude…”
Karl, I think Paul was referring to Rosie O.
I considered (d), but CBS is far too PC to get caught adding to global warming with all of that methane.
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It hasn’t stopped them, so far. ;-)