Katie Couric Inks Multiyear Deal with ABC/Disney
Katie Couric
Katie Couric has signed a multiyear deal with Disney/ABC to host and produce her own syndicated talk show, the network announced Monday.
Couric will reunite with Jeff Zucker, who served as executive producer on Today when she co-anchored the show. Zucker, who rose through NBC's ranks while the network fell to fourth in prime time, will executive-produce her series. It's scheduled to start in September 2012. Under the new pact, she will also join the ABC News team and will anchor specials.
The value of Couric's contract was not announced.
Announcement of Katie Couric's talk show expected shortly
"Katie Couric is one of television's iconic figures and we are thrilled to have forged such an exciting partnership with her," said Anne Sweeney, president of Disney/ABC Television Group.
Couric said: "I'm very happy to be returning to the network where I began my career as a desk assistant in 1979." (Her first job was with ABC News' Washington bureau.)
The untitled talk show will air in the 3 p.m. time slot on the eight ABC-owned affiliates.
Katie Couric to replace General Hospital?
The network said in its announcement that it "continues to support" General Hospital and plans to debut The Chew this September and The Revolution in January 2012.
Last month, Couric announced she was leaving CBS Evening News after five years. 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley was taking over Monday night.