In a first for a network, CBS announced today it plans to stream the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric live on CBSNews.com beginning on September 5th. “This is a groundbreaking development in making the program available to the largest possible audience,” said Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports. Users will be required to register to ensure they view it live at the same time Evening News airs in their time zone. The newscast will also be made available on demand after the simulcast. Both will be free and ad-supported. Also, the network announced a bevy of new online elements for Evening News: “Couric & Company” is a daily blog; “Eye to Eye” is a daily video of extended newsmaker interviews; “First Look with Katie Couric” is a web-exclusive rundown of stories being considered for the broadcast; and “Katie Couric’s Notebook” is a podcast of a one-minute look at a top story or issue. You knew CBS News would come out swinging online with Couric’s debut, but the announcement to stream the newscast live is surprising. It follows word earlier this week that CBS.com will stream primetime shows online for free. CBS has a deal in place with its affiliates to share digital revenue on projects like these — although it’s unclear how much. But still, it will be interesting to gauge reaction from affiliate newsrooms. Anyone?
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