CBS News today announced an overhaul of its low-rated morning show with the addition of Charlie Rose (of PBS fame) and Gayle King (of Oprah bff fame), plus Erica Hill, beginning Jan. 9.
CBS News Chairman Jeff Fager said the yet to be named show will be “consistent with who CBS News is.”
CBS’s morning has been a moving target, with six hosts over the last dozen years.
Amid promises to “start from scratch” and avoid copying what’s out there, Fager stated “it will be hard news, it will be real news, but it won’t be all serious.”
The range will be the usual–war zones to pop culture–according to Chris Licht, formerly of “Morning Joe” on MSNBC, who will serve as executive producer. Licht said the show will be “competitive and relevant.”
The show marks a return to CBS for ace interviewer Rose from “Nightwatch” many years ago (he continues as part of the “60 Minutes” ensemble).
At an introductory press conference for personalities who need little introduction, Rose cited memories of CBS “back to Murrow, through Wallace, Collingwood, Cronkite and Rather.” King, who will anchor the later hour of the show, said the show won’t be “stuffy.” (After noting her “goosebumps” at being in the hallowed halls of CBS News, she proceeded to discuss her Spanx and love of music.)
Joanne Ostrow: 303-954-1830 or jostrow@denverpost.com
