CBS Eyeing Anderson Cooper for Katie Couric's Job?

By PopEater Staff Posted Mar 1st 2010 10:01AM

In mid-2011, Katie Couric's five-year contract at CBS News will expire, and network executives appear to be exploring a "Plan B" if she departs after her oft-rocky tenure in the anchor's chair. According to the New York Times, that backup plan could very well be CNN host Anderson Cooper, who reportedly met with CBS execs months ago about anchor opportunities at the network.

The Times got the information from a pair of "TV veterans informed of the meeting."

However, a spokesperson for CNN denies a meeting ever occurred and claim in a statement to EW that Cooper "is not engaged in any additional conversations with them beyond those necessary for his continuing role on 60 Minutes."

Whether Cooper's reported meeting with CBS execs means he is being courted for Couric's job is unclear; he was previously pursued to host the network's 'Early Show,' which has struggled in the ratings. A switch to CBS full-time would be an easy one for Cooper, who is a regular contributor to '60 Minutes.'

Cooper joined CNN in 2001 and has hosted his own show, 'Anderson Cooper 360,' since 2003. He specializes in covering tragedies, including Hurricane Katrina and the recent the earthquake in Haiti.

'360' has not exactly been a ratings boon for CNN and generally ranks third in the 10 PM hour behind FOX's Greta Van Susterein and HLN's Nancy Grace. Often, repeats of MSNBC's Keith Olbermann will edge Cooper out as well. His focus on delivering the news -- and not opinion -- has been cited by industry analysts for his viewership.

Couric's ratings have not changed much either, and she currently ranks behind NBC's Brian Williams and ABC's Diane Sawyer in the evening news race. As we noted in an earlier piece, CBS may be looking to bring down costs in the newsroom due to the economic downturn.

Couric reportedly makes $15 million a year.

NBC's Brian Williams -- who almost permanently holds the top spot among the nightly network news broadcasts -- makes $10 million a year and pulls in, on average, over 3 million more viewers, averaging around 10 million viewers to Couric's 6.5-7 million.

CBS had no comment when asked by the Times, but it is not uncommon for TV stars to take meetings with other networks in the run-up to contract negotiations.

Tags: anderson cooper, katie couric

Comments

(177)

Monday 01 March

By lampfrog

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who cares? same old obama worship!

By marc

The media loves Cooper. Just like they loved Couric. The problem with the networks, NBC inparticular, is that they don't have a clue about what goes on in the world around them. It's fun to watch isn't it?

By henry

Atleast we know he is not eyeing her!!

Saturday 06 March

By mightymaus

1) Dump Couric overboard as fast as possible. Her obvious bigotry and imbalanced approach to the news has killed CBS viewing for me. It's even spilled over into and polluted Letterman. Which ruined Letterman for me.

2) Cooper will only salvage CBS if he decides to be absolutely fair. If his homosexuality bleeds into the news; if liberal viewpoints bleed into the news....CBS might as well close their news division.

By Tom

Katie is fine for the anchor position at CBS. She brings a lot 'o class to the evening news.
Hang on to her, CBS - A.C. is not the answer.
The problem is you, i.e. ...CBS...
Face it, CBS is the no-bang-for-your-buck network.
t.

By Phil Vanleuen

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I never liked Katie and the network is definitely NOT getting their money's worth with her as anchor. Anderson Cooper is ALIVE and EMPATHETIC. The man knows how to deal with ANYTHING. IF he's gay, who cares? This country is getting nicely past that idiocy. AC is a definite WINNER!

By GEORGE

COURIC SHOULD HAVE NEVER TAKEN THAT JOB IN THE FIRST PLACE SHE IS A TRAIN WRECK ON THAT SHOW, SHE WAS DECENT ON THAT MORNING SHOW SHE WAS ON,ANYBODY INCLUDING HOWARD STERN WOULD BE BETTER THEN COURIC IS.

By Debbie

I stopped watching CBS because of Katie Couric's douche bag attitude would surley watch again if Anderson Cooper was in the anchor seat Katie is just to fake and phoney for me she turns my stomach CBS would be better off not re-newing her contract or even negoating to keep her sorry ass TIME TO GO KATIE!!! OUT WITH THE STUPID IN WITH THE SMART

By buzbeech

Don't like Couric. She was o. k. as today show co-host but for news give me Diane Sawyer.

By anna

I have always enjoyed watching Katie. She is a true professional.
I believe most woman are a little jealous of her. I always admire her choice of suits as I am also a professional.

By gobluespartyon

Katie should go back to doing the morning show she is a better fit there than doing the evening news. Anderson Cooper would be good hosting the evening news as he pretty good doing the news and isn't off the walls just gives you the news.

By Buzzby

I have nothing against Katie Couric, but she just doesn't seem suited for the evening news. She's perky and peppy and was much better suited on the morning shows. You need a certain type of personality for delivering the nightly news. I now watch Diane Sawyer, so I have nothing against women doing the evening news. Katie just isn't a good fit. I admire Anderson Cooper, and would probably watch him if he were in that spot.

By cybershawnee

Three cheers for Anderson Cooper. Bronx cheers to Couric.

Why is it anytime people post they don't like a specific person, there are a few - like you - who play the "jealousy" card? Could it be there are people who just basically don't like someone? It does happen, you know. Now, I like Katie Couric, but I do not like her in the evening news. She seems out of place and a poor fit for that gig.

By Paul

Being gay and all, it would be good for gay rights if Anderson Cooper is the main new man on CBS.

By Lilly Peterson

I never watched Katie Couric i wasent really impressed with her
Anderson Cooper would be great he is gorgeous and intellegent
and well read he would be a great catch for CBS I now watch
Diane Sawyer who i love i stopped watch good morning america
since she leftbut i would definately watch ANDERSON IF HE GOES TO CBS I DO TRY TO WATCH HIM ON CNN

By Laine

I LOVE Katie!!!

By crissy

PeeWee herman would be better than Gouric ! Dam lets have some one who is a realy news person not a teleprompter reader ! O yea we have 1 of those in a high office also that needs to be changed !

By Gale

The problem with this is, that nightly news is only 30 minutes.
I love seeing Anderson for 60 minutes.
Anderson seems to care so much , it might be fake, however I doubt it. What we do need is, more caring reporters and one's that report for the heart.

Anderson and Sanja did a lot of good for Haiti.
I just do not think 30 minutes is enough.
If Anderson moves , please take Sanja also.
That is the best team on TV.

By AndI

If cooper appears on CBS then I will DEFINATELY switch from NBC.

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