According to TVnewser.com, in behind the scenes video released by AOL, Couric refers to the "Early Show" as "CBS This Morning," the former name of the show (video available here). During the interview, Couric told "Early Show" co-host Harry Smith that she hoped viewers would find her broadcast “instructive” and spun the low ratings of the “CBS Evening News” as something positive:
"...And sometimes we're going to try things, I think this is one of the nice things about being in 3rd place, that it liberates you to try things, and not necessarily feel compelled to maintain the status quo. And, I think creatively, that's one of the best places to be."
Spinning lousy ratings does not seem indicative of high standards, integrity, and great reporting that Couric claimed is found in the mainstream media:
"...And I think that some of the integrity and the standards and the great reporting that you find in traditional mainstream media..."
Couric also asserted that people should tune in to her broadcast because, among other things, it will be instructive:
"...I hope they'll see that what we have to offer is illuminating and educational and instructive and accessible."
What per se does Couric hope to instruct viewers on. Her track record suggests perhaps she wants to instruct viewers on what she regards as the benefits of a left wing policy agenda. Her record begs the question, is she really the person who CBS should be turning to in order to rehabiliate it’s tattered image?
At the close of the second segment, Harry Smith questioned Couric as to what she found to be the biggest surprise to since coming to CBS. Couric doled out the charm to the "Earl y Show" host and, perhaps, reciprocated Harry Smith’s mushy feelings towards her, saying:
"The biggest surprise is how much better you look in person."
Considering Smith and Couric both alluded to sexist attitudes in the work place and that women are held to a double standard:
Harry Smith: "Sure. It's interesting. Because I don't remember seeing a single piece about Charlie Gibson saying oh, he was on morning TV forever, or he can't do this job. Or maybe he shouldn't do this job, or suggesting anything. Is there, is there a double standard?"
Katie Couric: "I mean, it seems like it in some cases. I think there is some residual sexism and I think women are sort of judged by different standards..."
Yet, is not Couric's response about the biggest surprise at CBS a prime example of the double standards held by both Couric and Smith? Had the situation been reversed and a man had said that to a woman, isn’t it likely both Couric and Smith would be among the first to allege sexual harrasment in the workplace?
