Sawyer Faces Uphill Battle Backstage

Diane Sawyer finally has the job she’s been waiting for, Rebecca Dana writes for the Daily Beast: “anchor of World News, the once towering, now considerably diminished evening broadcast.” But her renewed rivalry with Katie Couric and her struggle to hold on to Charles Gibson’s ratings will likely provide a “reason to watch the evening news next year.” Of course, the most salacious stuff has already happened.

Gibson didn’t even mention Sawyer in his announcement, and a source says he is “livid” that she will succeed him. ABC News president David Westin reportedly had no interest in poaching the anchor of the network’s only moneymaker, Good Morning America, and he voiced his support accordingly: “She has paid her dues and then some, and it seemed that she’d waited her turn.” Couric got in on the fun, too, saying, “As I did, I’m sure she’ll quickly find that she doesn’t miss that early morning alarm clock.” (More Diane Sawyer stories.)