An excerpt from the end of TV Week’s cover story about World News Tonight:
| Outsiders unanimously branded the decision to bring in Ms. [Diane] Sawyer and Mr. [Charlie] Gibson as one that undermined Ms. [Elizabeth] Vargas. In these observers’ opinions, ABC News had opened a veritable Pandora’s box: It had loosed fresh insult to Mr. Gibson, who had seen the job for which many felt he was perfect go to Mr. [Bob] Woodruff and Ms. Vargas, both of whom would have to be seasoned and sold to the public. Their Pandora’s box scenario also posits a last grasp by Ms. Sawyer for a power perch she had publicly declared she did not covet late last year, but that now might look more attractive in light of “GMA’s” loss of momentum and the possibility that her stronger morning show rival Katie Couric might trade the couch on NBC’s “Today” for the anchor desk at “CBS Evening News.” Mr. [Jon] Banner said, “I’d argue with the entire premise. The fact of the matter is we’re missing one of our anchors. Elizabeth is the other anchor of this program. It is her broadcast. It is her and Bob’s broadcast. And we are lucky to have Charlie and Diane help and get us through this difficult time. Elizabeth is very appreciative that they’re helping out. “That’s the story,” he said. |
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