RonF

Couric to Announce Her Move on 'Today' By Howard Kurtz Washington Post Staff Writer Wednesday, April 5, 2006; Page C07 Katie Couric plans to confirm this morning on "Today" that she is leaving the top-rated morning show after 15 years, and CBS will quickly announce, probably today, that she will take over the anchor chair once occupied by Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather. Couric, 49, decided yesterday to use the occasion of her 15th anniversary, when the NBC program will be reflecting on her tenure, to look forward to the next chapter in her career, said sources at both networks and people familiar with her thinking. The sources, who first confirmed Couric's plans Monday, had expected the CBS negotiations to drag on a bit longer, but said now the network has wrapped up the negotiations and wants to go public as soon as Couric does. Bob Schieffer, the current CBS anchor, who had made clear that he did not want to keep the job indefinitely, said yesterday: "I hope it is true. I've known Katie for many years; she's a first-rate reporter and a terrific interviewer. I love Katie and I think she'll love CBS News." The move by Couric, who will remain at "Today" until her NBC contract expires in May, will have repercussions throughout the broadcast schedule. NBC, which is determined to maintain its morning ratings lead, has offered her job to Meredith Vieira of ABC's "The View" and the syndicated "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," who is still weighing the opportunity against family concerns. CBS is making a multimillion-dollar bet that Couric, who would be the first solo female anchor of a weekday network newscast, can boost the third-place "CBS Evening News." Couric, who attracted enormous publicity while weighing her options, is said by those who know her to be brimming with ideas about how to adapt the evening newscast to her skills and personality. The "Today" retrospective at 7:30 this morning will feature video clips of Couric over the years, followed by her comments about her departure, and will have a less celebratory tone than otherwise would have been the case. Couric is close to NBC chief executive Jeff Zucker, her original producer on "Today," the sources said, and has been trying to manage her departure without hurting relationships with him and other longtime colleagues at NBC.

Like Jim said....nice stuff. Bianchi's a good player.

Just wore it out on a road trip. Like other Fagen projects, each song lives in a special universe....sometimes it takes a while. I dig this a whole lot.

Haven't heard Savivity yet. Would like to. I'm also a fan of Our Gang. Jim, wondered if you've heard 3'Osity - a Denver B-3 trio with Pat Bianchi.

Marla, Have you listened to Fred Hersch's new Live at the Bimhuis in Amsterdam? It's wonderful.

Karrin's From Paris to Rio is excellent.

That guy is your uncle? Small world.

Hey Beri, You could ask my uncle the next time you're in NYC. He's about 5' 10, brown hair and usually wears a blue shirt.

I know, different strokes, Troy, but...........that track is killer!

That's very cool indeed, Randy. There's a Vic tribute to Barney Kessel on this that is tremendous. Great album. New last year.

Oh yeah!

I don't want to look at it either.

As Chris knows well, she also deserved a lot better from Concord.

Rooster, Definitely go. I saw her at the VV with the Lewis Nash group as well, along with Mulgrew Miller and Steve Nelson. Regina was amazing. Personally, I dug the Kenny Barron/Regina Carter Freefall. For a refreshing change of pace, listen to Paganini: After A Dream - a mix of Latin, classical and jazz. It's a beautiful album. There's also a great story behind the violin she plays. Purists and police - don't even bother.

We're just getting started here in the mountain states. During the live performances does anyone else notice the young people near the stage, standing and clapping with their arms waving in the air? Evident during the Stones Superbowl performance as well. These people have to be props - paid, enthusiastic, phony fans. If you look beyond the screaming employees - the crowd is motionless and silent....and probably bored to death. God, what an awful production. Does it get worse every year? Sure seems like it.

Congratulations fellers. Onward and Upward!

I saw one amazing song. Talk about supercharged! He sure makes it look easy.

Anyone like comedian Kathy Griffin? She says Angelina's lips look like an inflamed anus.

Maybe if you hold off on that six pack before you start listening?

What is this, a high school yearbook? Although that '67 Camero is choice, Ron. A 1924 Model T A 1928 Chevrolet Sedan A 1951 Plymouth Cranbrook Convertible No, I'm not that old.

No hard feelings HBJ. I think Tuesday's in Chinatown is terrific. Andy Bey is a special kind of genius.

couw, Your post, sir, is preposterous. There's no vendetta. No one is provoking. And who's blaming? He's infamous for baiting. He's infamous for namecalling. What you're suggesting is that when someone gets blasted with "You are truly a contemptible piece of shit.", followed by vulgar PMs, that they just be quiet and be careful not to rub him the wrong way. Thin skin? Give me a f*cking break. People have been bounced for that "crap". That's an insult.