Since this is a communications blog, let's talk about the changes this past week at the CBS Evening News. Katie Couric (you may have heard of her) made history last week by becoming the first solo female anchor of a network news program. 
Whether you like her or not, Katie is smart. She wouldn't be where she is today if she weren't. I don't buy the critics who say this woman is all "celebrity and personality" and no substance. They obviously haven't seen some of her harder-hitting interviews. (Photo Credit: CBS Evening News/Handout/Reuters)
One of my favorites was her 1996 interview on Today with Sen. Robert Dole. She peppered Dole with questions about his claim that "tobacco may not be addictive to everyone." By the end of the interview, Dole had made just about every mistake an interviewee can make on live television. Katie was at the top of her game.
The jury (as in the viewers) is still out on whether Katie has the staying power to bring the CBS Evening News out of its ratings slump. If this past week was any indication, she is on the right track. The ratings were strong...not just on the first night as expected, but all week. Granted, it's still new and it will take some time to have an accurate gauge on the ratings. Her first true test will come when there is a big breaking news event. That test will come.
In the meantime, Katie has her own blog, Couric & Co. She is asking for suggestions on how to sign off her evening newscasts. Take a look.
Charla, I guess I'm still skeptical about the Katie Couric deal. I have never been a fan, and I think it was her celebrity that got her the job, not her reporting. But, over the past week watching her, I think she's doing a good job. I'm willing to be proven wrong. Time will tell.
Posted by: Yvonne DiVita | September 13, 2006 at 09:37 AM