Thursday, June 21, 2007

My letter to Couric of CBS News

I have had it with CBS News. They took leave of their senses when they hired Katie Couric, although I have had to wonder recently how much they had in the way of "senses" to take leave of. So here is the letter I sent to suggest a news story that Ms. Couric might be able to handle.


June 21, 2007

CBS News
Attn: Katie Couric
555 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019

Re: Proposed news story for Ms. Couric

Dear Ms. Couric,

Since I recognize that you are struggling with the needs to establish yourself as a news anchor and editor, I noticed a story possibility that might display all your best talents to their fullest.

Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty testified before the Senate today about the way the Department of Justice fired a large number of U.S. Attorneys last December. His testimony is, of course, already on the Internet, and viewing it raises the burning question – how much did he pay to have his hair done for that testimony?

As for the importance of the story, you may recall that the TV news media went all gaa-gaa over that same issue with respect to Democratic Presidential Candidate John Edwards earlier this Spring. So we know how important the issue is, and Deputy AG McNulty does have a really good head of hair. Just view the testimony. Viewers really need to know what it cost him.

When you get the story you could tuck it in right after the latest on Paris Hilton, Hey, maybe you could even interview Paris Hilton for her opinion. Two stories, combined! You might be able to tell someone to do all that, then speak soothingly in your honeyed voice about it as you introduce the story.

Think you can handle that, Ms. Couric? Better ask someone with journalistic experience and news judgment, though. Then get an acting coach and especially a voice coach to help you present an appropriate demeanor for the story.

Just a suggestion.

Sincerely,


Of course, a better suggestion than attempting to train Ms. Couric to do the job she is clearly unsuited for would really be to replace her with someone who could to the job. I wouldn't expect that of CBS News, however. That would be publicly admitting that they screwed up by hiring her in the first place.

If you are wondering about McNulty's hair, here is a video of part of the the Hearing. (through TPM.)

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