Back to the Future at CBS? My Take

Anybody remember the failed triple anchor format ABC tried on the Evening News back in the day with Frank Reynolds, Max Robinson and Peter Jennings? Well, undaunted, CBS has come up with a variation on that theme to replace the departing solo anchor, Norah O'Donnell in November. As I predicted Margaret Brennan, Face the Nation host, will be on board from DC. But as the show moves back to New York with O'Donnell gone, a largely unknown WCBS anchor will join John Dickerson (Nancy's son). Obviously, Norah alerted the brass a while back, so they could unveil a new plan in short order from her announcment Tuesday (30th)

This is a death knell for the longtime third rated CBS newscast. In this day and age, watching three people alternating anchors is a questionable play, especially agaiinst Muir and Holt. Nothiing to lose, I suppose, but it speaks to the weak CBS anchor bench.

Here's the CBS release:

https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/cbs-news-and-stations/shows/cbs-evening-news-with-norah-odonnell/releases/?view=110106-cbs-news-announces-new-ensemble-team-and-editorial-leadership-for-the-cbs-evening-news

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Rebecca Stevenson has left KOMO

"I am no longer at Komo 4." Thanks. Longtime Weather Anchor Rebecca Stevenson confirms that she left the station just before Christmas. Her last Facebook posts are 12/17. She has the Seattle station Quintafecta, having worked at the old NWCN, KING, KIRO, KCPQ and KOMO. Looks like her decision. Wants a new chapter. She was doing mainly weekend evenings for KOMO. Perhaps Stella Sun will move there. She has been sharing weekend mornings with Theron Zahn.

Where is Frankie?

Many have missed KIRO 7's weekend PM weather anchor, Frankie Katafias, so I reached out to some of my sources to find an answer. She is apparently taking a few months of leave, but not known specifically what the reason may be. Although there is uncertainty, it could be a personal or family matter. I am told she is expected back at some point in the new year. She is a great asset to what has become a troubled station. Meanwhile former KOIN Portland chief met holds down the fort.

Seattle TV Weekender Ends Her Run

So long to KOMO's longtime weekend morning anchor Lee Stoll who did her final show Saturday. She previously worked at KIRO7 and KREM2 in Spokane and did a little fill-in for me at the old NWCN. She's a Northwestern U grad. Weekend weather sidekick Theron Zahn will likely step right into anchor slot. Newcomer Stella Sun may also be in the mix. Zahn bid Lee a final goodbye this morning. She is not revealing what is next, saying "That's for later." Also, next month Komo News Operations boss Dennis Hanson and longtime Production Tech Rena Mullen are retiring. There's a big Studio C station bash for them and retiring ND Phil Bruce on December 5th.

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