I think we're all slavering in anticipation of Perky Katie failing to revive CBS news ratings, but I think that, regardless of her success, she'll be doing the news for some years to come.
She wouldn't leave the Today Show without a guarantee of a long run and big bucks. If the news show tanks, CBS will just have to grit their teeth and absorb the low ratings and salary payout until her contract runs out.
First, alot of the CBS "pro" news folks weren't happy that her name came up...and they sure aren't happy now. Most of the CBS news crew weren't in favor of her...if the rumors are true. Second...it appears that Viacom forced CBS to accept her...the name was pushed repeatedly. I'm guessing some there and some "outside" influence folks kept putting pressure on CBS. Third...her contact stipulates her job as CBS news and 60 Minutes.
Lets face facts. The numbers at the Today show will slowly but surely go up ten percent over the next two months...and not by some mircle. The numbers at CBS news over the next two months will decrease by a minimum of 10 percent...the soccer mom's won't be switching over. By Thanksgiving, CBS will be talking of Plan B...pushing over to 60 Minutes and finding a new person for the nightly news. The Viacom folks won't be allowed back into this planning strategy again. CBS will be allowed broaden its search pattern.
And 60 Minutes? Watch as their audience shrinks by 10 percent as a minimum. By the time of the next presidential election comes up...Perky Katie will branching out into Dan's old territory of making up facts. And the bloggers will have a field day with her. Whoever in Viacom or beyond...thought she was the "prize"...really guessed wrong. CBS...could have found several top notch players...even Lou Dobbs...but they can sit and wait now until Katie sings the last tune.
"I think we're all slavering in anticipation of Perky Katie failing ... She wouldn't leave the Today Show without a guarantee ..."
And there you have it. We can say what we want. We can be as snippy as we want, but Katie wins. Katie has navigated a corporate jungle, and has acheived a capitalist's dream.
I don't like her, and won't watch her, but credit where credit is due.