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 rockys

Vote down Vote up Report this

I dont watch nothing Cooper is on. He is Nothing but Another one of those So Called Gay People with no sense at all. I would not give him the crumbs off my table.

By cher

Oh yeah...Anderson Cooper...Gloria Vanderbilts, poor little rich son...the bona fide tea bagger who coined the tea baggers word. Liked him until that little snide remark...& all his off side unnecessary remarks about Sarah Palin. Who cares? No one watches Katie, no one watches "Andy". It's a wash. How low can numbers go?

By Cleareyes

Gloria WHO?

By my4653

Test

Tst 2

By Brenda

Thumbs up AC but not quite sure if he would be happy being an news anchorman and sitting behind a desk.

By odyssey96

So what....one old queen replaces another! Big deal!

By Lilly Peterson

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I would definately watch Anderson Cooper on CBS i watch him now
on CNN he would be A catch for CBS.Who cares if he is gay
i certainly dont.

By John

He's gay isn't he? That in itself means he is more than qualified for the job-like so many others catapulted to fame and position being the token Gay, or Black can even get you into politically high positions in the America, you don't have to even have an education or experience. Put some weights in those loafers you wearing, we don't want you floating away! LMAO.
Kiss kiss

By G-Spotter

Love to see them ditch Couric, but not sure AC is the right person. They need someone who can present the news without putting their little twist on it. It's difficult to say, but they better get someone credible. I havn't watched it since they put Couric on there.

Tuesday 02 March

By Marianne

Don't need for Anderson to admit he's Gay. Any one can see it . Does he belong on CBS? NO.

By julie hiivala

I would start watching cbs news again

By MICHAEL

Katie's droning monotone presentation of the news makes me wonder how was she so successful on NBC?

By Richard

I Think We should Keep Katie, she is Hotter than that other Dude, I always watch to see what her fashion of the day is..the news is so ongoing they have made nightly news anchors jobs obsolete.

By Tom

Seeing their pictures side by side like that makes one realize Andy and Katie would make a hot couple!
I know Andy is gay, but that's not a problem. After about the second year of marriage, all women wish their husbands were gay.

I wonder if katie Swings Both Ways ;-) i'd Do Her !!!

By Jack Schitt

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

Both extreme liberals. Who cares? Get someone from Fox News.

By sdudek1490

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

It's really pathetic and sad what type of people write on these blogs. Who cares what this man's sexual preference is? The only thing that is important is how he delivers the news. I bet the people who are the most critical of gays are the so called "born again christians". boy, what a laugh. No wonder the republican party is in the toilet.

By JoserJimenez

If A.C. can make it....tell your kiddies to start practicing, cuz anyone can make it...He still is like a deer in the headlights, even after this many years....
I guess it's the dumbing down of America, so anything is possible. George Bush somehow got voted for president...TWICE!!! 'nuff said.

By Ditzy

Couric is just a bit chirpy, perky and cheerleader-like to be taken seriously or to listen to for too long. The only thing she did great was the interview with Sarah Stupid. Sarah Palin made Couril look like Einsten - but then she makes everyone look brilliant because she is sooooooooooo stupid! Yah Betcha! Anderson Cooper would be great!!!!!

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