My First Week

By: Katie Couric
Topics: CBS Stuff

(CBS)

Hi, everyone!

Okay, I've been waiting to exhale for some time now…and I finally have!!! Last night was my one week anniversary…and the good news is, I'm still employed! (I think) I've had no problem sleeping in until 7 every morning…and I'm really really enjoying my new gig. There's a lot of excitement here about trying new things, and the people with whom I'm working are terrific-smart and funny and very dedicated to putting on the best product we can. I'm still getting used to the half hour format, but it's gratifying to see how much we can get in…I so often experience information overload, being able to get a recap of the news summarized and synthesized is something I really like...hopefully some viewers feel the same!

Well, it's been a whirlwind. I wish I could say that last Tuesday was just another day at the office -- or just another first day on the job – but it was so much more than that. I woke up more than a few times in the wee hours of that Tuesday morning…and to nobody's surprise, the first day was jam-packed with the excitement and tension that comes with any new job. There were interviews and rehearsals and meetings throughout the day. I felt the usual butterflies in my stomach before the broadcast – actually, the butterflies felt more like gigantic peacocks (but that may have something to do with my last job). For the first time in a long time I actually had the sensation that my heart was going to actually penetrate my chest and end up on the scripts in front of me…it was beating THAT HARD.

There was some celebrating after the broadcast…some of my close friends got together to watch the show and had a martini waiting for me when I arrived at 7:30. I'm not a big drinker, but I have to say, that really hit the spot. But nothing was nicer than seeing my two daughters, probably more relieved than I was, that their mother had not completely embarrassed them on national television. They are so great. There was a little dancing and merriment (whatever that means) before I had to head to Washington to interview the president the next morning. (Good thing they cut me off after one martini!) Another crazy, surreal kind of day.

(CBS)

Visiting the White House is always a humbling experience. I'm always in awe of the history those walls have witnessed. And I was impressed by the respect President Bush has for the place. He even told one of our producers "Straighten your tie, young man. You're in the White House." I loved that.

Needless to say, it was what we call in the business, a crash. (That means there was very little time to put the interview together!) We ran some on the Evening News and a big portion on a special that aired that night. That was done so close to air that the producer, my friend Susan Zirinsky, said her running bra was somewhere between the edit room and the control room.

Add to that my first piece on 60 Minutes on the illnesses that thousands of first responders are experiencing five years after September 11th. To be a part of that broadcast was needless to say, an enormous thrill. My father called me afterwards and said, "Well, you're doing what you've always wanted to do…reporting for 60 Minutes." I used to watch the show when I was in high school sitting on the floor in my parents bedroom. I think it's really what made me want to get into this crazy and wonderful business in the first place. Of course while I was preparing this piece I was in meetings with our producers, going over copy, doing promos, putting my spackle on (it takes a village to make me presentable on television) and helping shape the Evening News. It's really exciting and really fun. I still can't believe I'm privileged enough to have this job. One of the first things I said to the crew when we were rehearsing was…"can I ask you guys a question? How did this happen?" The sign off thing has been fun too. The suggestions are great to read, and as I said last night, even Letterman got into the act. Always happy to provide Dave with material! Bob Barker wants me to implore viewers at the end of every broadcast to "have your pets spayed or neutered." Mmmmmmmmmmmm…interesting.

One of my favorite parts of the day has been recording the First Look segments that run here on the blog, and at CBSNews.com. It's a great chance to show you how we put together the Evening News – and meet some of the amazing people who make it happen. It's such a collaborative effort –and First Look lets you in on part of the collaboration. I think it also gets to show you that gathering the news isn't always grim. We love what we do, and have a great time doing it. (Bill Owens: call your hair stylist!) And that is invaluable. No matter what you do for a living, if you love it and really enjoy the people you're working with, it makes everything worthwhile.

We're trying to make the news more accessible, more compelling, more interesting, and we're trying to give people a little hope, optimism and even a chuckle when we can. Hopefully we're making progress…I also think people who watch the show are less focused on some of the superficialities that media and gossip writers seem to obsess over…and the people who are watching are the reason I'm doing this. I'll be posting more in the days ahead, but I just wanted to touch base and give you a few quick impressions of my first week in the chair, and under the spotlight.

As the late Karen Carpenter sang, "Close to you", I mean, "We've only just begun." Wow, how hip am I?

Stay tuned!

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by tk_rockets September 14, 2006 11:57 AM EDT: I don't understand why so many people have a problem with the last 1-2 minutes of the show being more casual (I've actually read complaints about her sitting on the desk!). Seriously people, you need to chill out. (I would hate to go through life that serious about everything - talk about stuffy. Some of you must have the peronality of a napkin!) Personally, that's what I like the best about the whole broadcast. It's the time when we get to see the more relaxed, charming, caring Katie that we all know and love. It seems to me that some people on here would rather see a robot report the news. From what I gather they don't want anyone to show any type of emotion. They seem to prefer someone who is stiff with no personality. I find it refreshing to watch the show now. For 25 years I didn't watch evening news because it was soooo drab and boring. Now it has personality to it, and that's what will keep viewers coming back. Great job Katie, keep up the good work!; Reply to this comment


by eek152 September 14, 2006 10:50 AM EDT: Am I the only one who hasn't forgotten Katie's passion is clearly the news, and her decision to move to CBS and take on a new job was probably NOT influenced by wardrobe details? Sorry, but it really aggravates me. All along, it has been made clear that her motivation for making this change was for the opportunity to be apart of serious journalism and present news that really affects people. Yet, all anybody can focus on is something so insignificant as a hairstyle.

"Hey, correct me if I'm wrong, but there's a war going on somewhere.. I think... But oh my GOD, Katie, what are you wearing?"

Please. This was never meant to be like the Today show. You want to gaze at icons for good fashion choices? Two words: Project Runway.; Reply to this comment


by ngbezmt September 14, 2006 10:43 AM EDT: Hi Ms. Katie,

I enjoy your fresh approach to presenting the evening news. I am sure you will find your own nitch in the way you present the news in a few weeks and we will all accept and continue to look forward to what you are accomplishing. Good Luck!

Walt in Fairfield, OH; Reply to this comment


by sheab3-2009 September 14, 2006 10:37 AM EDT: Katie,

I agree with your dad. I am so happy you are doing what you have always wanted to do. I appreciate you. As for your sign off...I tell my grand-daughter each day that I leave "Thank you for a nice day... I love you". Perhaps you could say..Thank you for the prevlidge...good night!
I will pray each day for you.

Genie
Springfield, MO.; Reply to this comment


by zhhasan September 14, 2006 8:49 AM EDT: Congratulations!!!! I've always love seeing you on the Today show. When I learned that you were going to sit in as the anchor person for CBS evening news .... I was so very happy for. I wish I am still in the States to enjoy watching you nightly.; Reply to this comment


by k8t4cbs September 14, 2006 7:01 AM EDT: sorry bout the multiple posts. they seem to have been posted out of order. but i hope the point gets across.; Reply to this comment


by jlpden September 14, 2006 6:30 AM EDT: Katie,

You report the news and if all news isn't good, you have a way that I have a relaxed feeling watching and the 30 mins goes so fast and I think the Free Speech section is good because, you don't give me the feeling that some may, sit down and shut up, we'll tell you everything you need to know.; Reply to this comment


by bobpage1 September 14, 2006 5:44 AM EDT: Hi Katie,

I haven't been able to watch you on my tv at home but I absolutely LOVE the simulcasts! I have watched you on my laptop live several times which I wasn't able to do with the Nightly News on their podcasts. I watched you the entire time you hosted the Today show. I love your upbeat personality and your candor. You have a true gift for connecting with your viewers.

I will be watching and praying for your success.

Blessings,

Bob Page
Concord, N.C.; Reply to this comment


by cntpt September 14, 2006 5:17 AM EDT: How to establish a unique style without offending advocates of old forms is very challenging and undoubtedly there have been discussions ad nauseam about your openings and closings. Yes, the 'Boys Club' always sat behind a desk and looked soberly into the camera to offer viewers a severe 'Good Evening'. However, a delicate line is walked in finding the right balance between emulating an old approach and initiating a new one, particularly when it involves introducing the first female solo anchor. Opening with 'Hi, I'm Katie Couric' and closing by sitting legs-crossed, folksy-like, on a piece of the set brought to mind, at best, an image of the girl next door and, at worse, that sobriquet that has dogged your professional career: perky. In my opinion, these images contribute to a lack gravitas. Furthermore, while it is important to play to ones strengths (and warmth and accessibility are certainly two of yours) in closing with a thanks for tuning in and the 'hope' that we will be back the next night, makes you appear insecure. A confident concluding wrap-up that communicates you look forward to sharing the news with us the next night and expect us to be back would be a stronger statement. The fact that a woman is in one of 3 senior anchor positions presents its own stand-alone statement and should not be diluted with informal embellishments.; Reply to this comment


by coldblk September 14, 2006 4:53 AM EDT: Hey Kate,
I think you are doing a wonderful job. Nice to see a lovely face every night. I am a man, but I think having a female report the news is refreshing. Ihis will possibly open the doors for all minority groups.

Sincerely,
Frederick; Reply to this comment