Katie Couric Calls Out CBS for Hiring Two Men to Replace Norah O’Donnell as ‘Evening News’ Host: ‘Disappointing…Odd and More Than a Little Out of Touch’

As a seasoned television journalist with a rich history of breaking barriers and advocating for gender diversity in media, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment upon hearing about CBS replacing Norah O’Donnell with two male anchors. Don’t get me wrong; I hold immense respect for both Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson, but the fact remains that this move solidifies broadcast television as a male-dominated space during an epoch that could very well witness the election of our first female president – and potentially our first woman of color.

Katie Couric penned an opinion piece for The New York Times, criticizing CBS for switching Norah O’Donnell with Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson as the anchors of “CBS Evening News”. Couric previously hosted this show from 2006 to 2011. Her concern lies not in the abilities of the new presenters, whom she admires, but rather in the fact that the evening news on television is becoming dominated by men, as Lester Holt hosts “NBC Nightly News” and David Muir leads “ABC World News Tonight”.

“Couric expressed some dismay upon learning that Ms. O’Donnell would be succeeded by John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois. It’s important to clarify that I hold these two professionals in high regard. However, with this change, all four main network anchors will be male. Margaret Brennan will continue to provide reports from CBS’ Washington bureau, but the individuals presenting the CBS evening news will now be men.”

In my opinion as a movie reviewer, it’s worth noting that the trio primarily shaping the creative direction of this film are three white gentlemen: Bill Owens, Guy Campanile, and Jerry Cipriano. They are the unsung heroes, the producers, who hold significant influence behind the camera.

Couric commends Cipriano for consistently standing by her side throughout her time at “CBS Evening News,” but she acknowledges that, on occasion, male writers may overlook certain aspects. She underscores the fact that during a year that could potentially see the election of the first female and first woman of color as president, the evening news may predominantly feature male perspectives.

“Couric contends that this could be a groundbreaking tale, and it’s crucial for a varied team of reporters to handle it,” (paraphrased)

“Approximately two decades ago, I aspired to become the main host for ‘CBS Evening News’. I believed that for the viewers, particularly young girls and boys tuning in during dinner time, the sight of a lone female anchor could be groundbreaking. Regardless if it’s in politics, sports, or other professions traditionally occupied by men, witnessing diversity in leadership sparks our imaginations about who is capable and suitable for such positions,” Couric explains later in her guest article.

“During the evening news broadcast, the hosts and managers are carefully selecting content for an older demographic. It’s clear who’s watching the ads. Despite this, the program continues to draw over four million viewers nightly on average. Interestingly, even though CBS has brought in more female executives as part of a reorganization, most of the key editorial decision-makers will remain male.”

On July 30, CBS declared that O’Donnell is planning to leave her position as the host of “CBS Evening News” following the 2024 presidential election. She will instead take on a new role as a senior correspondent, focusing on securing significant interviews and delving deeper into reporting. Subsequently, on August 1, CBS announced that DuBois and Dickerson would be taking over from her.

Head over to The New York Times’ website to read Couric’s guest essay in its entirety.

2024-08-12 16:16

Katie Couric Calls Out CBS for Hiring Two Men to Replace Norah O’Donnell as ‘Evening News’ Host: ‘Disappointing…Odd and More Than a Little Out of Touch’

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