Former ‘Today Show’ host reflects on her move to CBS

By Damara Popoola

HOLLYWOOD,CA (Hollywood Today) 7/9/07 – Heavily scrutinized and criticized anchor Katie Couric is finally speaking out about some the misgivings she harbored after deciding to leave her home on NBC’s “Today Show” for the pressure-filled chair of the “CBS Evening News.”

Couric, in Monday’s New York Magazine, admits the difficulties she faced by taking on a position previously held by male news stalwarts Dan Rather, Walter Cronkite, and even the celebrated Edward R. Murrow. “I think the one thing that I realized, looking back at it and analyzing it, is people are very unforgiving and very resistant to change,” Couric said. “The biggest mistake we made is we tried new things.”

Though Couric was brought on by CBS chief executive Les Moonves to infuse new life into the evening news, her viewers have fallen dramatically since her September debut, even hitting record lows in May when only a mere 5.5 million were watching. Reflecting on her move to the eye network, Couric said, “I have days when I’m like, ‘Oh my God, what did I do?’ But for some weird reason, they don’t happen that often.”

The article also delves into supposed infighting at CBS where some employees have been subjected to pay cuts while newcomer Couric receives a reported $15 million a year for an anchor role that was intended to boost ratings, but never truly came to fruition.

However, despite frustrations and disappointments with her new post, Couric claims she can still handle it all with aplomb. “I think that bugs people even more, that I’m not a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown,” Couric said. “It’s probably disappointing to some people.”