Howard Kurtz‘s WaPo profile of CBS “Early Show” co-host Maggie Rodriguez says her addition to the program accounts for “an uptick in the ratings, lifting spirits at the broadcast.” In recent months, Rodriguez has landed some high-profile interviews with the Caylee Anthony grandparents, Levi Johnston, and impugned Miami Priest, Father Alberto Cutié. The scandal beat might not be her favorite, but Rodriguez understands that it’s often what her audience gets excited about:
“If I were to program a show for my viewing pleasure, I would make it all news,” says Rodriguez, 39. “But we’re programming for all of America. We have to include Jon and Kate [Gosselin] — regardless of whether I personally care, they’re on the cover of every magazine. You can’t be so highbrow that you only cover hard news. I’m not a journalistic snob.”
In addition to her morning show duties, the Miami transplant has also regularly been filling in as an anchor for the “CBS Evening News with Katie Couric.”