Katie Couric Weighs Anchor

(CBS)  In one of the most highly anticipated developments in the recent history of network news, Katie Couric stepped into the spotlight Tuesday night as the anchor of the CBS Evening News.

"Hi, everyone. I'm very happy to be with you tonight," Couric said simply before introducing the broadcast's lead story, a piece on the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Her introduction normally would have been read by an announcer, but in this case, viewers heard the voice of CBS News legend Walter Cronkite make the introduction.

The 30-minute broadcast ran smoothly and ended with an appeal from Couric for suggestions from viewers on how she might sign off at the end of each show. For now, Couric chose this ending: I'm Katie Couric. Thank you so much for watching. I hope to see you tomorrow night."

Couric had ended the broadcast -- or so she thought. A round of applause erupted in the studio, and Couric stood up, throwing her script into the air. She was beaming.

But a second later, she realized the camera would be trained back on her momentarily. She sat back down, everyone hushed, and the closing music rolled with Couric on screen smiling, her notes on the floor.

When the music ended, champagne corks popped in the studio. When Couric made her way out from behind the desk to greet the Evening News staff, a martini was thrust into her hand. She downed half of it before speaking.

"I have to interview the president tomorrow, so I can't have too much," Couric joked.

Evening News Executive producer Rome Hartman praised Couric's performance and then tossed a verbal bouquet to the news staff for a smooth production.

"We've all looked forward to this day, but this is really day one," Hartman said. "Imagine in six months what ass we will be kicking."

CBS is betting a chunk of the ranch that the 49-year-old newswoman can boost ratings, lure additional advertising dollars and re-energize a news division demoralized by a flawed story on President Bush's National Guard service that prompted the departure of four CBS News employees.

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[judykoala]

Katie...sign off suggestion.."have a pleasent evening and a great day,see you tomorrow"
Judy Kenney
you are fantastic!!!!!!

[sherrylam]

Hi Katie,
Suggested sign off... Just make it simple.
"This is Katie Couric from CBS to you. That's what is happening in the World today. SLEEP TIGHT U.S.A" (and either Salute or blow a kiss)...

[donnclark]

Thus far, although I plan to give her a few more days, I can't tell if she is working for CBS as a newscaster or for the public relations board of Bush. Seems to me there is a definate attempt to show herself as anti left wing. As to the "Free Speech" segment, I would prefer to see views of people from both sides that are intelligent enough to understand that the future is one of compromise, where the two extremes are considered (as they are in reality) as useless to the future as the religious extremist that are terrorists or that form the far right in the US.

[jdgaze628]

I apologize for the type-o in my suggestion for your future sign-offs, It should have stated "Love unconditionally".

[jdgaze628]

Dear Katie...

I feel that you provided an exemplary retrospect of the nation's safety issues on your first debut as an evening anchor.

As for suggestions for your sign off. May I suggest, "Live well.. Love uncondionally..Learn always and Laugh daily".

[ncbud45]

Suggested Sign Off: "This is Katie Couric at CBS Nightly News. Now you know what we know."

[davidjross-2009]

"That's the news for this [Monday, Tuesday, etc.]. For all of us from CBS News in New York, thanks for joining us. Goodnight."

[jcp246s]

I%u2019m truly amazed by the number of critical posts I have read. Calling Katie%u2019s demeanor robotic, stiff, and monotone is a little unbelievable. During her interview with Harry Smith for the Early Show%u2019s 9/5 broadcast, she said that she thought the public was tired of the statuettic anchors of days gone by.

I personally find the direction of the broadcast to have more a personal connection with the audience. The dynamic use of color, lighting, and giving way to the use of pop culture classics like Peter Gabriel%u2019s %u201CIn Your Eyes,%u201D made me feel as though you were watching a conversation unfold. Katie%u2019s refreshing approach and pleasant delivery has reinvigorated my loyalty to the CBS Evening News. Thanks for getting out from behind the desk; you%u2019ve made yourself welcome into my family%u2019s living room.

[redravn]

I didn't want to pay attention to Katie's wardrobe and makeup; I wanted to pay attention to the newscast. Unfortunately, the white jacket looked like it was too small to button, and her eye makeup was....weird. If you want people to get past the perception that Katie Couric will give us fluffy news, hire a stylist and makeup artist that can help her project a serious image. This is no place for fashion experiments.

[token123]

Sorry CBS We think you made a mistake using Katie as a news Anchor.Have watched to many Today shows that showed she was in her element,but think she is not right for a sober newscaster.She looks out of place.My wife refuses to watch her and we are sorry after 25 years of watching CBS news we are moving to NBC News.Did not like the last 2 shows at all.