From the Associated Press:
- Quote:
-
Couric Announces Move To CBS On 'Today' NBC Veteran Taking Over Anchor Desk In September
NEW YORK -- The will-she-or-won't-she talk swirling about Katie Couric jumping from NBC to CBS has been put to rest.
Katie Couric is leaving the "Today" show. She announced her departure Wednesday morning on what is her 15th anniversary as co-host of the NBC morning program.
In a funny, yet teary, exchange with partner Matt Lauer, Couric also confirmed she's going to be taking over as sole anchor of the CBS Evening News, becoming the first woman to be a sole anchor on a network evening newscast.
She'll also become the mangaging editor of the newscast, and will also have a spot on the network's popular news magazine "60 Minutes."
"It has been a great privilege to be one of the caretakers of a television institution like the 'Today' show for 15 years," said Couric in a statement from her new network. "Joining CBS is a unique opportunity that came at the right time for me. I'm thrilled to become part of the rich tradition of CBS News and look forward to working with the many extraordinarily talented people there."
In her emotional farewell on "Today," that mixed tears and fond humor, Couric said she made the decision after listening to her heart and gut.
The 49-year-old Couric is the longest-serving anchor in "Today" show history. She called it "an honor and a privilege" to serve in that role for so long.
Lightening the mood after Couric made her announcement, "Today" co-host Matt Lauer, quickly quipped, "Also coming up in this half hour."
Couric's contract with NBC expires at the end of May. Her multi-year deal with CBS begins in September.
"I'm personally so excited that Katie Couric is coming to the CBS News family," said CBS President and CEO Leslie Moonves in a statement. "With this move, our news division takes yet another giant leap forward. Katie is simply one of the best in the business and represents a tremendous addition to CBS News."
Couric will be taking over the anchor desk from Bob Schieffer, who's been serving as a temporary replacment for longtime network anchor Dan Rather.
"I couldn't be happier," said Schieffer in a statment. "Katie and I have been friends for years. She's going to be a terrific addition to CBS News. I think we're going to love Katie, and I think Katie's going to love us."
Meanwhile, Meredith Vieira of "The View" has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Couric at "Today." Vieira is a former CBS News reporter and host of the syndicated game show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."
|