[Deborah] Norville Says She's Ready For 'Early' Call

USA Today ^ | July 25, 2002 | Peter Johnson

[an amused spectator]

When she joined Jane Clayson as a guest anchor on CBS' The Early Show the week of July 8, Deborah Norville acted as if it was a one-shot deal.

But Wednesday, after New York Post columnist Cindy Adams wrote that CBS plans to boot Clayson and install Norville — which Norville said is news to her — the former NBC Today anchor said she would love to return to the morning-show fray.

"It's really intriguing," said Norville, who has anchored syndicated Inside Edition for the past six years. "I thoroughly enjoyed myself."

Norville is committed to Edition for the next three years, so on the surface that would rule out any role on The Early Show.

But Edition is produced by King World, and both it and CBS are owned by Viacom. In these synergistic times, having someone host two shows isn't a stretch: ABC's Diane Sawyer hosts Good Morning America and PrimeTime Thursday.

Norville said she could handle both gigs. After her latest stint, "I wasn't any more tired than I typically am. I have become a much better time manager as a parent than I was as just a married person."

Clayson's future is uncertain. "No one has been offered the job, and no decision has been made," said CBS News spokeswoman Sandy Genelius.

Meanwhile, former CBS This Morning host Harry Smith, now of A&E's Biography, joins Clayson for a week — that's one week only — starting Monday.

"If you want to see me on morning TV, now's your chance," cracked Smith.

He ruled out any interest in returning to a gig he held from 1987 to 1996. "I'll see if I can get back on the bike again. They say you never forget."

[an amused spectator]

Wonder what Catty Katie thinks of this?

[Bad~Rodeo]

Skrew kait..cough,sniff, spit, Uhmm, screw Cati,Ahhhh-Chooooo, sniff, sighs~ Deborah, mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[Paul Atreides]

Connie, Phil, and now Deborah...they should make a movie called "Night of The Living Has-Been."

[kylaka]

Only difference is Norville is very conservative, which is why she didn't last the first time and won't be picked this time.

[goldstategop]

Is Deborah Norville really a conservative? I was under the impression the TV talking heads are by and large liberals.

[kylaka]

She Is, though unlike her liberal cohorts, she seldom lets it show. (she wants to remain employed)

[NativeNewYorker]

The upper crust NYC private school scene is like any other small town. I am lucky enough to be a part of it.

Ms. Norville and her husband are among the most "present" of parents, with one or both of them doing the daily child drop-off, not delegating the task to "staff" as many many of their peers do. They are also very generous with funding the schools, far far above the $20,000/year/kid tuition.

I don't know about her politics, but she passes "my" test of being, as best as I can see, a good parent.