Tough Times Are Boon for Couric's Ratings

Anchor has grown into role at CBS, and more are watching

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Jan 29, 2009 12:38 PM CST

(Newser) – Katie Couric’s comforting style is perfect for tough times, or so a 5% uptick in the ratings for CBS’ Evening News suggests. In Couric’s hands, economic catastrophe, Mideast violence and terrorism become “news you can warm up to,” Tom Shales writes in the Washington Post. After the election cycle’s most-hyped Sarah Palin interview, America’s first solo female anchor finally has ammo to hush critics.

The CBS telecast still falls third behind NBC and ABC, the same spot Couric inherited 2 years ago. Initially, her artificial gravitas and teleprompter stumbles foreshadowed a short-lived stint. Tough but hospitable Couric has since allowed more of herself to come through. “People are getting used to me in this role, and I’ve become increasingly comfortable in it,” she tells Shales.

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CBS' "Evening News" is finally showing signs of a ratings bump. (AP Photo)

Couric has been making the rounds at various media events, and CBS has pitted her show against "American Idol" as her profile rises. (AP Photo)

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Couric's interview with Sarah Palin is one of the most memorable moments of the last election. (tpmtv)

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Now more than ever, the newscast is smart, solid and imaginatively produced—and Couric finally appears in her role as she needs to be. - Tom Shales

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Tough Times Are Boon for Couric's Ratings