Couric Won't Replace King Any Time Soon

Rumor had it that Couric would soon be departing CBS due to her anemic ratings for CNN and would be replacing Larry King. That rumor largely came to halt with the announcement that CNN would extend its contract with King. This exclusive came from Media Bistro:

Sources tell TVNewser that CNN and Larry King have agreed to a contract extension, which will keep the anchor with the network through 2010, beyond his 77th birthday.

A recent New York Times

story speculating about Katie Couric's future reported that King's contract was set to expire in the summer of 2009.

The article also revealed the CBS Evening News anchor was eying King's CNN slot as a possible move if she were to leave CBS. "Couric discussed several things she might do if she left the anchor post, according to the executives, including a daily talk show to be syndicated by CBS, or replacing Larry King in a prime-time position on CNN," the Times story claimed.

CNN doesn't comment on employee contracts, but a CNN spokesperson tells TVNewser, "Larry is the best there is, he'll be here for a long time."

There was no talk on money, which surprised me, but I am sure it is significant.

I am no Larry King fan -- half the time he doesn't seem quite sure where he is or what he is doing. However, I think he makes far more sense for the format approach of his show then Couric would provide. Couric is about to become a media orphan, in my opinion. She is perfectly suited for early morning news shows (like Today, for which she is famous) and I am sure she probably believes that such programming is beneath her.

For a copy of the free report, "Why Your Marketing Isn't Working," email Info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing" in the subject line.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.