Schieffer Hands Over The Anchor Desk

'CBS Evening News' Anchor Talks With Katie Couric About Life And Career

(CBS)  Before Bob Schieffer had the grand slam of Washington reporting jobs — working every beat inside the Beltway — before he started covering presidential conventions in 1972 and every one since, before he walked the White House grounds with the most powerful leader in the world, he covered a par two, 18th hole.

"Bob Schieffer, CBS News, at the National Put-Put Championship," he signed off that evening.

Back then, management didn't see Schieffer as anchor material. But he became the one CBS turned to in one of its darkest hours.

"Good evening, I'm Bob Schieffer. And tonight, we turn a page at CBS News," he said during his first broadcast as anchor of the CBS Evening News.

When Dan Rather stepped down 18 months ago following the National Guard document scandal, Schieffer, at age 68, became only the fourth solo anchor of the program.

Katie Couric, who becomes the anchor Sept. 5, spoke with Schieffer about the tough job he faced.

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Watch an extended version of the interview.

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"You really came in as the replacement quarterback, at a pretty difficult time for CBS News. It really was a difficult chapter," Couric said to her predecessor.

Schieffer agreed. "We were in a very hard place, Katie, a very hard place. And I said on the first broadcast, the first thing we have to do is get our credibility back."

And how does it feel to get so much attention and acclaim so late in his life?

"You want me to tell you a secret? I've really enjoyed it," Schieffer said.

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Schieffer spoke about his transition with Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith. Among other things, they chatted about Schieffer's aspirations to be a songwriter! Bob also donned a cowboy that Early Show staffers got him. To watch that interview, click here.

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Schieffer has been at CBS since he was 32, but started dressing for the job in the ninth grade, when he was occasionally seen wearing a bow tie. But he dropped the bow tie to become a beat reporter, covering the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and later, covering the Vietnam War for his hometown paper.

"Personally, I'm thrilled to death. I'm a newspaper reporter and this is the name of the game," Schieffer explained back then.

Some 2,000 interviews later, he still sounds a lot like that 26-year-old newspaper man: "We need to go and find out what happened and tell people about it in a language they understand. And when we've done that, it can be a noble thing."

If he seems to keep it all in perspective, it's because he has some. Three years ago, Schieffer was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He didn't know if he'd be able to return to a job. He never imagined it would be the one he got.

"I'm the luckiest guy in the world that I got a chance to do, as an adult, what I wanted to do as a young person. I've had a wonderful, wonderful life, and it's a longer life than I probably deserved and frankly, that even I thought I would have. And I just hope I can make good use of the next chapter and the next days," Schieffer said.

And he credits his family for helping him on his incredible journey.

Schieffer noted, "I'm the product of many things and many people. I don't buy into this 'self-made man' business. From my mom and my wife, and my daughters, I've really learned from them. In the end, they helped and made me what I got to be."

[mrdandrea]

I hope Katie can be objective and just report the news. What a tough question she hurled at Hillary that day, "Don't ya ever just answer the questions?" I'm pessimistic but the wifey just loves her and the bitter experiences that she's had with the loss of her husband. This might be a repeat of what happened to Bryant, I'm afraid.

[redhen18]

The CBS Evenings News has been my news choice for many years, and it improved tremendously with Bob Schieffer at the helm. I'm going to miss seeing him there...he has a style that is professional and thorough and then he'll show a lighter side of the news with that twinkle in his eye. Bob is one great journalist and anchorman. I feel privileged that we watchers of the CBS News were able to learn from his expertise, and I wish him all the best. Bob, you're going to be missed. God Bless you!

[chuckb430]

You will probably loose an avid viewer now with Bob gone and Katie taking the helm. I don't really think she has what it takes to do the job right. I wish the viewers had the opportunity to giva an opinion prior to putting Katie in this position. Chuckb

[audiochem]

I've been a CBS faithful for many years, however, I will be making a switch tonight. I need someone far more stoic than Katie to deliver significant global and national events. Sorry...

[louannkerry]

I would like to thank Bob Schieffer for his wonderful work at the anchor desk.I know he didn't want the job on a permanent basis, and I will follow him back to Face The Nation, but I enjoyed Mr Schieffer's quiet, professional manner in reporting the news. I haven't watched the CBS News so closely since Walter Cronkite retired.Thank You, Mr.Schieffer, for being the consummate reporter.

[smith3486]

We had not watched network news for years. Occasionally tuned in to Dan Rather. When Bob S. came on board we watched CBS news every night. I lost interest in Katie as soon as she seemed to be focused on appearance and shallow news. We will miss Bob and will be watching Charles Gibson--at least for a while.

[greggk5]

I admit I almost never watch the TV news. But I have seen the promos for Katie. They look like they're done with a gauze filter. Give me a break! I hope that's not an indication of how serious her delivery of the news will be.

[buttonbhart]

I have been a fan of CBS news for a long time...Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather, and Bob Schieffer. I was hoping the next anchor would be
John Roberts. My husband and I both really liked his style, his humor and his professionalism. I'm not so sure about Katie Couric. I'm going to watch and give her a fair trial. But if it doesn't work out, I'm really glad Charles Gibson is anchoring ABC World News now. The "C" in CBS used to stand for credibility... Now I'm not so sure....

[wdelong1]

CBS News has one of the FEW, REAL journalists left in the world. A TRUE journalist, not the political hacks who populate most networks. He added a MILLION viewers to The CBS Evening News because he is RESPECTED and TRUSTED. His ethics are above reproach. His political leanings are indistiguishable.

And yet CBS dumps all of that for KATIE COURIC??!!! The mere fact that you have to bring in Cronkite ,et al, to prop up her intro is very telling.

Les Moonves is a complete MORON.

Oh well. It was great for a while Bob.
Back to Jim Lehrer, I guess.

[marytroyer]

Nope, won't watch CBS anymore after 40 years. Can't stand Katie. Loved Bob & John Roberts. But CBS let John get away.

[marytroyer]

Nope, won't watch CBS anymore after 40 years. Can't stand Katie. Loved Bob & John Roberts. But CBS let John get away.

[marytroyer]

Nope, won't watch CBS anymore after 40 years. Can't stand Katie. Loved Bob & John Roberts. But CBS let John get away.

[marytroyer]

Nope, won't watch CBS anymore after 40 years. Can't stand Katie. Loved Bob & John Roberts. But CBS let John get away.

[marytroyer]

Nope after over 40 years I will find my news elsewhere. You guys lost John Roberts who should have been next . Bob was good. Can't stand Katie.

[BBuchfink]

Hi,
I've been around since 1948 so I've seen some good and bad newscasts and newspeople and I must say, as Bob Scheiffer says, he's right up there at the very top of real newscasters, not because of his hair style or make up or handsome face but because he knows how and what to report, stories that make a difference in our lives. The last one I remember with such awe is Charles Kurault. Thanks for a great ride Bob. God bless you and your family.

Sincerely,
Brian Bennett
Northern News network
Billings, Montana

[dommiem]

I'VE WRITTEN SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT KATIE JUST NOT BEING THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE EVENING NEWS SPOT
READING THE OTHER COMMENTS IT SEEMS I WAS NOT ALONE IN MY FEELINGS..HER VOICE,PERSONNA, BIAS, AND DELIVERY IS FOR A CASUAL MORNING SHOW NOT A (I CAN'T
WAIT FOR THE EVENING NEWS ) SHOW.SHE IS WEAK AND COMES ON WEAK AND THE HARD NEWS SHOWS CAN'T HAVE A WEAK PERSON TELLING ME WHAT HAPPENED THAT DAY IN THE
WORLD,ESPECIALLY THE WORLD WE'RE LIVING IN TODAY...
THERE ARE SOME GREAT PEOPLE THAT COULD HAVE REALLY BROUGHT YOUR RATEINGS UP.DEF NOT KATIE.......

[mightys4]

Bob,

My wife and I have been watching you every night since you became anchor. Now I even watch your Sunday morning Face the Nation. Your presentation style is outstanding and we have really enjoyed your shows. Mostly, I will miss your laugh, its just nice to have a lighter news moment in todays hard world. You will be sorely missed.

[m_ivery79]

Bob,
I am so saddened to see you leave the evening news. You have shown such grace, good humor, & intelligence as anchor. You are so relatable to such a wide audience (I'm 27 & love you & my grandfather is 80 & thinks highly of you as well!). I was grateful I made it home from work in time to catch the last minutes of your final broadcast. I literally had tears in my eyes as you said your goodbyes. You're humble & have expressed such humility. You're what every journalist should aspire to be. When I've had tough days (working at Sloan-Kettering can do that), I've looked forward to watching your news program as you have a way of putting people at ease & presenting all news--good & bad in the best possible way. I wish you luck in your future endeavors (but still wish you weren't leaving at all!!!). All the best!

-Melissa Ivery

[CBSTV]

I missed Thursday's broadcast. Did this segment actually air in its entirety on "The CBS Evening News"? If so, what a tremendous squander of valuable air time.

Yet there is one piece of newsworthy information in the Couric-Schieffer chat. Schieffer commented that CBS CEO Les Moonves selected him to take the anchor chair after Dan Rather. Why is someone outside the News Division making journalistic decisions, including the one to hire Katie Couric?

I wish Couric well. However, her installation marks a radical change to the CBS News "brand." The focus now is to have the most viewers and to maximize revenue for the corporation. It would be a happy confluence if good, aggressive journalism matches up with top ratings. Unfortunately, Moonves' drive to be #1 in the ratings (and ad dollars) is at odds with what made CBS News a great institution in the first place. By his hand "The CBS Evening News" is becoming less of a news broadcast and more of a show that contains some news.

[m_ivery79]

As an aside, I'd have to agree with many others posting on here about their feelings towards Katie Couric. Not only was I disappointed to hear of Mr. Schieffer leaving but even more disheartened to hear Ms. Couric was taking her place. I think it's great that she is so ambitious & hard-working but I just don't care for her nonetheless. I think she should have stuck to the early morning news. (Hey, what about The View?!)
I think I will have to switch over to another network for my evening news. I'm sure that these feelings that so many others share will be reflected in the ratings. A news anchor is someone who not only presents the news but is someone people "invite" into their home. They have to be respected & make people loyal to watching each day. Katie Couric just doesn't do this. I watch the CBS Early Show everyday & I just can't bring myself to watch another channel because I think there's such a great chemistry between all of the anchors. They make me happy to start my day. I just can't see Katie Couric making me feel the same about starting my evening. Sorry to say.
I wish her the best but just not in this particular position.

[chicabear1]

I sure will miss Bob on the CBS Evening News. He has such style. I'll be catching my evening news on another channel.... I don't like Katie C. Good luck Bob in your future endeavors! I'm sure you will do great, as always!!

Sincerely,
A Fan in the Desert Southwest, USA

[ranhar-2009]

I wish Bob Schieffer could continue as anchor.
Bob is the only remaining REAL JOURNALIST who shepherded the evening news(i.e.: someone who clawed his way up the ladder in print media and never was one of those ignorant, hair-sprayed mutants who can't even read the TelePrompTer). Katie Couric is like a deer in the headlights when it comes to the anchor position. She is a pathetic, smarmy, poor excuse for a so-called 'journalist'. I remember the abysmal NBC Olympic coverage of one of the summer games, where all through the opening ceremonies all she did was make snide remarks about the various countries - Katie Couric was the extreme prototype of the "Ugly American". Whoever made the decision to hire her for that gig is probably parking cars today in Fairbanks, Alaska. A future vocation for whoever had the brilliant idea to bring her to CBS.
I predict that Couric will be the final nail in the coffin for the CBS Evening News.
It's as if the last 58 years or history have meant nothing - that 'infotainment' is the only choice at the expense of credible journalism. I'm glad Ed Murrow is not around to see it. God speed, Bob. Go away, Katie.

[cielle55]

Bob, Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed watching the news at night with you at the helm. I didn't know your history; however, I could tell you were a professional and human, not just an unemotional machine delivering the news. I will miss you very much and wish you well, but I will not be watching CBS News any longer. I did not like Dan Rather and do not care for Katie, so I will be switching networks effective tonite. Thanks for a great 1.5 years!

[cbronson240]

I too am saddened to see Bob Schieffer leave. He has such class. I'm not sure how I feel about Katie Couric taking over as anchor for the CBS Evening News. I am going to try to have an open mind about her but I expect that I will eventually be looking for a new source for the news.

[thwackr]

Katie should be replaced with Melissa Theuriau. I'm not sure if she speaks english, but who cares?

[jdcornett]

I agree with most of the posts I have seen this morning-Katie is a lightweight and not qualified for the anchor position. Bob Schiefer brought us so much and had immense credibility. He was a natural and proved himself worthy of keeping the job. But, the network has to play it cutesy and bring in someone who is just fluff and no substance in the name of quick ratings buzz (they hope). I don't think it will work and the once venerable CBS will be trying to figure out what happened in a few months. Going to miss you Bob! Thanks for the memories.

[vtruitt]

To Bob Schieffer I have enjoyed listening to you every evening. You stepped in at a difficult time and picked up the ball and ran with it. To Katie Couric "you go girl". To all those with negative comments GIVE HER A CHANCE.

[sbrooks2843]

I am 43. I remember when the evening news was the only source of info (other than print). I watched every evening. Now it is 2006. I very rarely watch the evening news. I prefer CNN. I think the CBS News desk is arrogant and is clinging to an outdated format. They rely too much on their history. I am not interested in watching Katie. I would prefer to watch Paula Zahn (remember her when she was on the CBS morning show) or Peter Jennings at ABC. But none the less, I wish Katie and CBS success in their new venture.

[swbradley1]

I have enjoyed watching the evening news with Bob over the last 18 months. I had one heck of a good laugh when they did the story on Pluto and he started laughing at the end of it because of the guy wearing the monocle.

I won't watch Katie. I have switched over to watch Charlie Gibson. The CBSNews is circling the drain.

[maggieb7]

Bob Schaeffer is a pro. We will miss watching him. Funny...with all the "buzz" surrounding Katie Couric, shouldn't there be more positive comments on this board??? Sure, the ratings will spike at the beginning, but will she stand the test of time? Sorry, she's way too biased for my taste. Plus, with her demeanor, she was better suited on the Today show talking about fall fashion and menopause. Oh well, keep fighting the good fight, mainstream media!

[billhusted]

Bob Schieffer brought back a feeling of importance to the national news. But he also made the news seem personal. I'll truly miss his broadcasts.

[pumppeddler-2009]

Bob Schieffer has been a pro over the years but I haven't watched regular evening news form the "big three" for several years. It's not as current as the internet or the other 24 hour news providers. Good luck to Katie but i don't think that she will be able to save a sinking ship.

[crunge02]

Bob,
I wish you ALL the best. You are a class act.

Katie,
You will be fantastic. You already are.

I will be watching for years to come.

[rcarold]

Bob Schieffer is the last vestige of what I call %u201Cthe real deal%u201D, he reports the news because he loves it and he really feels people need to know. He has not succumbed to the temptation that has taken so many of his peers, using the news to advance an agenda. With a unique ability to make the listener feel as if they are the only person being addressed, and a command of trust and respect that makes you stop and listen when you hear his voice, he will be sorely missed. Katie Couric on the other hand, possesses all the attraction of a mosquito in a dark room.

[imagerk]

Bob will be missed. Katie - come on. Gimmick television news. She'll be gone in 3 years. I remember watching her do some interviews on the Today Show - a vet had to correct her because she thought FDR dropped the bomb on Japan!! I've seen her make many other factual errors - and seen her looking shocked to find out she was wrong. This is what happens when all you do is fluff work, read teleprompters and watch people cook. She is NOT a journalist. She lacks basic historical knowledge to be able to put the news of the day into the proper perspective. Heck - maybe she does have the perferct job - reading a teleprompter and introducing the real journalists who have the background to be covering hard news.

[tpsaw]

Who watches CBS News Period??????????????????????????

[conniehannon]

I'll miss Bob Shieffer at the Evening News helm. But, I can't understand the mean spirited comments that have been posted here about Katie Couric. I worked with Katie a long time ago at CNN and she is one of the nicest people I've ever met. And, Katie knows the news. Give the girl a chance. Good luck!

[kpinmaine]

Make no mistake, I really, really enjoyed watching Bob Schieffer and I respect him enormously. But a lot of the Katie-bashing looks like sexism to me. Is she a lightweight because she's petite, or because she doesn't have a deep voice? Give me a break, it's a new world people. Adapt or fall behind. Get used to women being in positions of authority. And by the way, Katie has earned it. Best of luck to her.

[debh12341]

My whole house hurried in to catch the news becaused of him he made news fun and we learned more from him than just gettint " the facts from else where" or the endless prattle again and again some stations do. bob is one of a kind i cried on his last day i will give katie a few days. but will prob end up ging to nbc. and by the way they shouldn't have goten rid of dan rather either. BYE BOB OUR FAMILY WILL MISS YOU FOR A VERY LONG TIME!!!!

[sunshine1987-2009]

bob,
i will SO miss seeing your handsome self. you are the only newsperson i've ever made a point of watching every day. you are a class act and a lovely person. you also have VERY nice ties, by the way. :-) daisy

[snnicholas]

I don't like Katie because from what I've seen during her interviews of people on the Today show, nearly every question she asked was unfair to some extent. She even asked questions that would endanger our country. Some folks being interviewed pointedly replied "Now you know I can't tell you that." Oh for the days when reporters asked questions that were not embarrassing, humiliating, or obviously biased.

[franpflieger]

Don't listen to them Katie. As someone who watched you on "Today" for years, I know you will be great at this job.

[jabredfish]

CBS MADE KATIE LOSE WEIGHT (FAKE). CBS
LOST WHAT EVER CREDIBILITY IT HAD LEFT.
GOOD BYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE TO "MADE UP
NEWS" AT CBS. IT IS NO LONGER A NEWS
COMPANY BUT JUST FANTASY AND FLUFF.

[imagerk]

kpinmaine - You are a typical blowhard. NOBODY said Katie is a lightweight because she's petite, or because she doesn't have a deep voice. I don't have any problem with women - I enjoyed Elizabeth Vargas on ABC. Quit showing your female inferiority complex. It's not that Katie is a woman - it's that she's NOT QUALIFIED. And to the other person who said "Give Katie a chance"; We can't afford to GIVE A CHANCE to people, we need the BEST people in those very important positions. Face it - if Katie had an extra 10 years or 30 pounds on her - she wouldn't be anchoring the news. And once you admit that - you have to admit she was picked for all the wrong reasons. Anchors aren't chosen because they are "the nicest people I've ever met". At least not until now anyway.

[christinefix]

With the exception of watching Sunday Morning with the respected Charles Osgood, this is the last time I will watch CBS News. To replace an exalted news anchor such as Bob Schieffer with a lightweight twit such as Couric is shocking. At a time when it is difficult to get responsible news, either from the print media or television,could CBS stoop any lower?

[bazzzzzzzzz1]

Why are people concerned about "Katie" taking over CBS News? Here are a few reasons:
http://www.mediaresearch.org/projects/couric/welcome.asp

[old300d]

Dear Bob, I will miss you. You are the best ! I always watch on sunday morning. Keep up the good work.

[armyasa]

Thank you, Mr. Shieffer. You're a class act. Your departure leaves a void in the evening news. You WILL be missed. I've watched the CBS Evening News for years. Never again. The CBS Pretty Boy will do the news for the next couple of nights. Yuk! As to your Gawd awful replacement - No thank you. Mr. Giblson or Mr. Williams, here I come. Good luck.

[wardparkway2]

Bob is in the same mold as Walter Cronkite, Edward R Murrow, etc., and we will truly miss him! Throughout his career he was there to REPORT the news not MAKE the news. With his departure from the daily news desk there is little respect left for the remaining news broadcasts. As a society we have come to the point that we want news to ENTERTAIN us... or to give us the goreiest... or whatever. News (and the viewers that impact ratings) need to get past this perpetual state of extremeism that they're in... just tell me what is, don't interpret, don't spin, don't do a darned thing. But it is all about ratings and corporate profits... Oh to be able to turn on a newscast and truly KNOW that "that's the way it is".... :-

[ktk9659]

Bob, I will sure miss seeing you on the evening news. I was very happy when you stepped in when Dan Rather left. You brought back CBS's credibility. You are a real class act. Will miss getting my news from you. Best wishes.
--Kathy

P.S. You have a beautiful family.