XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX SUN AUG 27, 2006 16:02:09 ET XXXXX
CRONKITE TO CROWN COURIC QUEEN OF CBS NEWS
**Exclusive Details**
Walter Cronkite will introduce Katic Couric on the new CBS EVENING NEWS next week, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned. Cronkite is just one of many superstars, and broadcast legends, that will help the former TODAY host splash onto the nightly news scene.
"It's going to be a who's who of Americana," a top CBS source said on Sunday.
Cronkite will do the introduction of Couric on opening night only, the source said.
CBS brass dismiss the suggestion that adding Cronkite is an attention-grabbing stunt.
"This is a bold statement of continuity and 'trust,' a commitment to the quality of the CBS EVENING NEWS," a top insider explained.
But there are signs mainline print media are prepared to pounce on the all-star nature of Couric's rollout.
VARIETY editor Peter Bart in a column on Monday warned: "I realize media companies need to overhype everything, whether it's a new 'Pirates' movie or another faux 'American Idol'... but all this may be doing a disservice both to Couric's credibility and to network news... Will Couric actually tell us what's happening in the world or will she preside over a sort of mini-'Today' show, complete with its well-worn couch?"
Kurt Andersen in NEW YORK will applaud the coming Era Of Couric:
"Making Couric the anchor and de facto face of CBS NEWS is a very smart, potentially even visionary choice... the real brilliance is that she's the first network anchor to have a quick, smart, mischievous sense of humor as a major part of her personal persona," Andersen explains.
"If it's possible to rejuvenate TV news, Couric is among the last best hopes."
Developing...
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