Time For WNT To Regain “Cruising Speed”

Elizabeth Vargas received a sustained and loud round of applause from World News Tonight staffers this morning, an insider tells TVNewser. The staff gathered at the rim to meet with Vargas, Charlie Gibson, David Westin, and EP Jon Banner. Vargas jokingly blamed her emotional state on the “hormones” associated with being pregnant.

“Charlie spoke for several minutes, telling the staff he has watched the broadcast nearly every single day for the last 40 years — through all of its incarnations — and was tremendously honored by this opportunity,” the insider says. “He applauded Elizabeth for her leadership and dedication to the show, and then referenced Bill Buckley’s book ‘Cruising Speed.’ After 13 difficult months, Charlie said it was time for the broadcast to regain its “cruising speed” and put the challenges of the last year behind us.”