Katie Couric's CBS Debut A Ratings Hit

(AP)  Katie Couric was a hit as CBS Evening News anchor — at least on the first night.

The ratings for her initial broadcast Tuesday were 86 percent above what CBS averaged on the same day last year, according to a preliminary measurement of the nation's 55 biggest markets by Nielsen Media Research.

CBS had a 9.1 rating and 17 share in those markets, compared to the 5.7 rating and 11 share for ABC's "World News" and 5.3 rating and 10 share for NBC's "Nightly News," Nielsen said. A ratings point represents 1,102,000 households, or 1 percent of the nation's estimated 110.2 million TV homes. The share is the percentage of in-use televisions tuned to a given show.

Typically, NBC leads in the Evening News ratings, with ABC second and CBS third. All the networks expected extra curious viewers to watch Couric's debut.

Couric seemed to siphon viewers most from her old network: NBC was down 23 percent from a year ago, while ABC was down 15 percent, Nielsen said. More complete ratings from the entire country were due later Wednesday.

"This exceeded our expectations," said David Poltrack, chief researcher at CBS.

[santaniclaus]

Well, first of all I'd just like to ask if I've done Katie an injustice in thinking that she wasn't interested in real journalism? If so, I apologize! When on the Today show I thought she was responsible for the la la land stuff they put on there. When I watch the news, I want to see the news about things like ,the war in Iraq, the policing of Afghanistan, the N. Koreans trying to develop nuclear arms, political news when it comes to elections, or even Global warming or the flu pandemic. Whether it's a "morning show", or "news at noon" I want to see news, weather, and sports, not 5 minutes of news and then 55 minutes of the latest shoe styles, or some "make overs" being done.
But now seeing Katie on CBS I think she's doing a great job of not only bringing us the news but the specials she's been doing have been very informative and to the point as well. She's proving to be a real anchor person and journalist!
Oh so in that vein of thought, I think her new sign off should be,
"This is Katie Couric a TRUE journalist bidding you good day and good night from CBS News."

[beck1985]

I have not watched the Evening News for years! I think that Katie Couric is a much needed change to the nightly news format. I think she has done a great job right out of the gate! I plan on watching CBS news regulary. What is all the talk about what she wears? What did Brian Williams wear for his debut? Ummm.....most likly a white shirt!!

[nascar9gal]

Katie is doing an amazing job.

It's great to see her on CBS.

Keep up the good work Katie!!

A former NBC fan.

[ctyboy]

Just for the record - Fox did a commentary or critique on Katie's first night as anchor. They indicated that the deep sea oil find happened a week ago and that CBS held the story in order to boost Katie's ratings. Fox should flip back and forth between newscasts because NBC aired the exact same story Tuesday night. If you are going to be critical, at least get your facts straight. Katie, you did a great job!

[keldonn]

I think your "sign off" should come from your heart Katie, not from the heart of America....

Buck up "ex" Today queen of queens!

Semi Sincerely,

Kelley Donnelly San Diego, Ca.

[rtodd1952]

Katie is making history, and changing our view of Network News. I loved the greats while growing up, and Katie will be one of the greats that our kids will remember. She is honest and sincere, I believe she does care about people, and wants to make a difference (as well as a lot of money like most of us and that is OK!) We don't need government scripted/driven news, left or right wing news...we need the facts, plain and honest for the biggest issues facing us each day, along with a little fun and excitement to make the sometimes sad, hurting news bearable. I trust Katie, and wish her and her crew the best.

[namka-2009]

I just watched the interview with Harry Smith. Very impressive in terms of her low-key, direct and honest responses. Katie Couric could be just what TV news needs - someone who isn't all about image and spin but interested in as direct communication as can be possible in today's media. I hope her bosses let her be who she is.

[aahardesty]

I followed Katie from the Today show. I have NOT been a regular evening news viewer. I WILL BE NOW!! As so many others have commented, I like the way you've put some life into the evening news. I like watching news delivered from someone "real" that is not just another stiff, suit! CBS will rise to #1 pretty soon, you just gained a lot of women viewers that were not watching the boring, same old monotone newscast!
THANK YOU, and I LOVE KATIE! Another wonderful roll model for women!

[cohen22]

I can honestly say this is the first time I ever watched CBS News -- I enjoy the fresh perspective and creative freedom that is being tested...Katie is refreshing, professional, yet makes you feel "safe" while reporting tough issues / events taking place in our lives today. She proves you can be gentle in your delivery yet command the same amount of respect as those before her...I will be a repeat watcher of the CBS News as a result..great job !

[rosguil]

It's about time we had a softer, more sensitive way of hearing the news, which are usually so negative anyway. I especially enjoy the heartwarming stories that accompany the news, such as yesterday's story of the orphanage in Nicaragua, and today's story on the blind boy. We all need more sensitivity in our daily lives. Keep it up, Katie!!