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Sawyer Faces Uphill Battle Backstage

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 3, 2009 1:15 PM CDT

(Newser) – Diane Sawyer finally has the job she’s been waiting for, Rebecca Dana writes for the Daily Beast: “anchor of World News, the once towering, now considerably diminished evening broadcast.” But her renewed rivalry with Katie Couric and her struggle to hold on to Charles Gibson’s ratings will likely provide a “reason to watch the evening news next year.” Of course, the most salacious stuff has already happened.

Gibson didn’t even mention Sawyer in his announcement, and a source says he is “livid” that she will succeed him. ABC News president David Westin reportedly had no interest in poaching the anchor of the network’s only moneymaker, Good Morning America, and he voiced his support accordingly: “She has paid her dues and then some, and it seemed that she’d waited her turn.” Couric got in on the fun, too, saying, “As I did, I’m sure she’ll quickly find that she doesn’t miss that early morning alarm clock.”

Diane Sawyer.
Diane Sawyer.   (AP Photo)
ABC News' Charles Gibson and Diane Sawyer.
ABC News' Charles Gibson and Diane Sawyer.   (AP Photo)
Katie Couric.
Katie Couric.   (AP Photo)
ABC News President David Westin.
ABC News President David Westin.   (AP Photo)
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If Sawyer can hold on to most of Gibson’s viewers, it will be a career triumph. If she sinks beneath CBS, it will be a crushing defeat. Either way, it’s one reason to watch the evening news next year. - Rebecca Dana

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
MrsK
Sep 30, 2009 1:09 AM CDT
Such a beautiful woman. Too bad she is a media whore. Lotta casualties there.
jaguarj
Sep 5, 2009 5:01 AM CDT
NOT!!!
schmidtkoff
Sep 4, 2009 2:44 AM CDT
network evening news, heck even the morning network shows have been failing for some time. i can't even remember the last time i watched either abc, nbc or cbs. i happen to like both couric and sawyer. i just wish they would cross over to a different venue.
 

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