Katie Couric reportedly wants to shift her daytime show away from some of the fluffier segments typical of daytime television.
The Hollywood Reporter reported that Patrick Ignozzi, formerly a senior producer at "The View," is now vice president of ABC's daytime programming. He will reportedly focus a great deal on "Katie," with an eye on balancing newsy portions of the show with fluffy segments.
The publication described Couric as experiencing what it called "increasing discomfort" with the fluffier segments, and wrote, "[Sources] tell THR that Couric held a staff meeting Feb. 22 during which she stressed that she would not compromise her journalistic brand and that she wants to have fun but also do meaningful work." Staffers received the move positively, according to The Hollywood Reporter's sources, in light of Jeff Zucker's departure to CNN.
Newsy segments like Couric's interview with Manti Te'o have paid off. The Notre Dame linebacker sat down with Couric in January for his first on-camera interview since it was revealed that his girlfriend was a hoax. Couric's questioning drew praise, and the episode delivered "Katie" its highest ratings ever.
"Katie," which debuted in September 2012, is the top-rated new syndicated talk show. After an uncertain beginning, it hit its stride in the ratings, and has been renewed for a second season.
CORRECTION: This piece has been updated to note that Manti Te'o is a linebacker for Notre Dame, not a quarterback as originally written.
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