Couric eager to establish a news identity
PASADENA, Calif. -- Katie Couric is pumped up about her Sept. 5 debut as anchor of the ``CBS Evening News."
But the former cohost of NBC's ``Today" is still shadowed, it seems, by a public perception that she is obsessed with fashion and other light topics.
Yesterday at a packed press conference at the Television Critics Association summer meeting here, Couric appeared taken aback when she was asked what she planned to wear her first day.
``I've gone to Charlie Gibson's stylist," she joked, referring to the ABC News anchor, before pausing. ``You're kidding, right?"
Later she was asked what her hobbies are. ``I read, exercise, hang out with the kids , and talk to my friends on the phone," she said, appearing eager to change the subject.
Couric is all about business these days as she assumes the role of managing editor and anchor of the ``Evening News" and works as a ``60 Minutes" correspondent. A lot is on the line, as network newscasts have suffered from increasing competition from the Internet, cable news channels, and the transmission of news to cell phones and other devices.
Determined to stay in the game, CBS announced yesterday that Couric will be available to viewers whether they are at home, in their cars, on their computers, or on their cell phones.
For the first time ever, the first portion of the ``Evening News" will be simulcast by CBS Radio News and made available to more than 500 affiliated stations nationwide, including WBZ -AM (1030) .
CBS will also offer daily, on-demand Internet and video podcast interviews with newsmakers conducted by Couric or other correspondents. Couric will also write a daily blog, which will encourage reader replies, the network said.
``Hopefully, we are going to provide something that viewers can't get in other places," she said.
Couric spent last week, her first with the network, touring cities to ask people what they want from news organizations.
``They want more perspective, more stories put in historical context. They want us to go a little bit deeper," Couric said. ``We also heard that the news is too depressing. Obviously, we can't sugarcoat [things] , but we can be more solution-oriented.
``Sometimes we assume that people know a lot more than they really do. So I'd like to not just do the news of today but take a broader look at the ramifications" of the news.
For competitive reasons, Couric declined to reveal specifics about how her broadcast will be different from those on ABC or NBC or whether or not her set will feature a couch versus a desk.
But she did say she's been inspired by Bob Schieffer, who took over when Dan Rather left the broadcast last year. ``Bob is very accessible. He speaks in plain English. There's a comfort level with him. I feel like I learn about the world with him. He is not imparting news from the mountaintop." Hopefully, she added, she will be as easy to watch.
Schieffer, meanwhile, will continue to contribute to the broadcast from Washington, D.C., CBS said yesterday.
Couric, whose two daughters are 10 and 14, said her children were supportive of her move but not as interested in the details as the media seems to be.
``I thought it was a little obsessive," she said, referring to all the coverage. Couric added her kids are glad not to be eating the early-bird special at restaurants anymore since her new work schedule will be 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
As far as the questions about her wardrobe? She's not mad.
``It's a visual medium. In terms of clothing, women have more choices, so it's a little more interesting. I don't begrudge people [for asking], but it's not something I focus on. I care about the content of the news. Hopefully, others will also." 