Ending one of the media's worst-kept secrets, Katie Couric announced on Today this morning that she will leave NBC when her contract expires May 31 to take a job with CBS Evening News. She will begin her new role in September.
Couric, a 15-year veteran of Today, said she made the decision to become the first sole female anchor on a nightly newscast after ''listening to my heart and my gut, two things that have served me well in the past.'' Continued Couric, 49, ''It was a really difficult decision for a lot of reasons. First of all because of the connection I feel with you. It may sound kind of corny, but I really feel as if we've become friends throughout the years.''
It was that relationship with viewers — not to mention the promise of luring younger viewers to its traditionally older-skewing evening newscast — that prompted CBS Corp. Chairman Leslie Moonves to make a serious play for Couric more than a year ago. Analysts questioned whether the Eye could beat the reported $65 million salary that NBC was already paying the popular Today cohost, but the prospect of serving as the first sole female anchor — in addition to contributing to 60 Minutes — made the offer irresistible to Couric.
Couric's longtime cohost, Matt Lauer, reacted to the announcement on Today with his trademark humor. ''Also coming up in this hour,'' he quipped after Couric's long goodbye. The studio erupted in laughter. ''Talk about mixed emotions,'' Lauer contineud. ''It's hard to imagine being here and not having you sitting next to us. But we're thrilled for the fact that you're taking on this new challenge. Oh, and did it [her statement] say anywhere in there where you're going?''
CBS immediately followed up Couric's announcement with a press release of its own: ''I'm personally so excited that Katie Couric is coming to the CBS News family,'' said Moonves in a statement. ''With this move, our News Division takes yet another giant leap forward. Katie is simply one of the best in the business and represents a tremendous addition to CBS News, which continues to grow and improve every day under [president] Sean [McManus]' leadership.''
NBC offered no immediate word on how and when it will replace Couric, though speculation hit a fever pitch this week that the network was about to close a deal with The View cohost Meredith Vieira.
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