Scott Pelley to Replace Katie Couric on CBS Evening News

Scott Pelley will succeed Katie Couric on the CBS Evening News, the network announced Tuesday.
"Scott has it all. He has the experience, the credibility and he is among the very best reporters ever to work at CBS News," Jeff Fager, 60 Minutes executive producer, said in a statement. "In more than two decades at CBS News, he has distinguished himself at every level, right up to his current role at 60 Minutes, where his work has been incomparable. We like to think of CBS News as the 'reporter's network' and I can't think of anybody in this business better suited for the anchor chair than Scott."

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Pelley, 53, added: "I am delighted to join the terrific team at the CBS Evening News. It's a privilege to work alongside the most gifted and talented journalists in the industry." CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley will debut June 6 — two days after Couric's contract with CBS expires. Couric confirmed her exit after a five-year tenure last week and Pelley, a 60 Minutes correspondent, was widely expected to replace her. Pelley, who takes the anchor chair once occupied by Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather, will continue to report for 60 Minutes.

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"Scott is the ideal journalist to lead this broadcast.  We're very proud to have him guiding this news organization's reporting each and every evening," David Rhodes, president of CBS News, said.  "He has a body of work few in the business can claim and will help us grow CBS News now and in the future."Pelley joined CBS News as a New York-based reporter in 1989. He's covered national news stories, politics, wars and served as the network's chief White House correspondent.