Katie Couric Criticizes CBS for Norah O’Donnell Replacement Choices

Katie Couric, the legendary former anchor of CBS Evening News, expressed her disappointment over CBS’s decision to replace anchor Norah O’Donnell with two male hosts. Couric described the move as “odd and more than a little out of touch.”

In an editorial published in the New York Times on Sunday, Couric praised O’Donnell, commending her for her exceptional role in leading the Emmy-winning program for five years. “I cheered Ms. O’Donnell as she carried out her duties with intelligence and grace. I was proud of the fact that she tackled topics that were especially important to women,” wrote Couric.

O’Donnell took on the role of anchor and managing editor at Evening News in July 2019. Her departure came merely four weeks after she marked her fifth anniversary in the position. Despite her exit, O’Donnell affirmed her long-term commitment to CBS and announced her transition to a new role focusing on significant interviews and contributions to Evening News and Sixty Minutes.

Following O’Donnell’s announcement, CBS revealed that John Dickerson, host of The Daily Report, and Maurice DuBois, anchor at the network’s local affiliate in New York, would replace her. Couric remarked, “Don’t get me wrong: I know, like, and respect these two journalists. But soon, on the big three networks, there will be four male anchors.”

Currently, NBC Nightly News is hosted by Lester Holt since 2015, and David Muir has been the anchor of ABC World News Tonight since 2014.

Couric criticized the decision as particularly tone-deaf, especially after CBS recently appointed two women to top executive roles: Adrienne Roark as president of editorial and news gathering, and Jennifer Mitchell as president of stations and digital.

Couric further criticized the CBS executives responsible for these decisions, specifically mentioning Bill Owens, Guy Campanile, and Jerry Cipriano, highlighting that all three are white men. Couric acknowledged Cipriano, her former “right-hand writer,” for his commendable work but cautioned that male writers might have “blind spots.”

“We’re also in the midst of a campaign that could result in the election of the first woman president, and first woman of color as president,” Couric added. “It’s a potentially historic story — one that needs a diverse group of journalists covering it.”

Source: New York Times, The Daily Beast