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CBS May Dump Couric Early

'Evening News' anchor has brought all-time low ratings

By Zach Samalin,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 9, 2008 7:25 PM CDT
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(Newser) – CBS may part ways with "Evening News" anchor Katie Couric as soon as the January 2009 inauguration, and long before her contract expires in 2011, reports the Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous sources from both camps. Network executives are tired of all-time low ratings that began with the switch from Dan Rather to Couric in 2006—after an interim with Bob Schieffer, whose ratings Couric still hasn't bested, the Journal notes.

"We have no plans for any changes regarding Katie or the broadcast," a CBS spokesperson said yesterday. "I am working hard and having fun," Couric said. But since hiring Couric, CBS has hemorrhaged millions of weekly viewers, watched stock prices tumble, and is desperately looking for change. Meanwhile, Couric may be eyeballing Larry King, whose contract is up next year.

Amid two years of record low rating, CBS is pondering dropping 'Evening News' anchor Katie Couric long before her contract expires in 2011, possibly as soon as the election runs its course.
Amid two years of record low rating, CBS is pondering dropping 'Evening News' anchor Katie Couric long before her contract expires in 2011, possibly as soon as the election runs its course.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Amid two years of record low ratings, CBS is pondering dropping 'Evening News' anchor Katie Couric long before her contract expires in 2011, possibly as soon as the election runs its course.
Amid two years of record low ratings, CBS is pondering dropping 'Evening News' anchor Katie Couric long before her contract expires in 2011, possibly as soon as the election runs its course.   (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)
Amid two years of record low rating, CBS is pondering dropping 'Evening News' anchor Katie Couric long before her contract expires in 2011, possibly as soon as the election runs its course.
Amid two years of record low rating, CBS is pondering dropping 'Evening News' anchor Katie Couric long before her contract expires in 2011, possibly as soon as the election runs its course.   (AP Photo/Peter Kramer, file)
Amid two years of record low ratings, CBS is pondering dropping 'Evening News' anchor Katie Couric long before her contract expires in 2011, possibly as soon as the election runs its course.
Amid two years of record low ratings, CBS is pondering dropping 'Evening News' anchor Katie Couric long before her contract expires in 2011, possibly as soon as the election runs its course.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
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