A top producer for "Katie" is leaving for CNN and the show's executive producer may be on his way out soon as well, The New York Times reported Monday.
CNN president Jeff Zucker has hired Michael Bass — one of his deputies since they worked together at "Today" — to be a senior vice president at the network. According to the Times, "the relationship between Mr. Zucker and Mr. Bass is so strong that some of the people with knowledge of his move to CNN said they were surprised it had not happened sooner."
Bass was one of the original co-executive producers who helped launch the show with Zucker and Couric. He will not be immediately replaced, because the show recently hired an additional co-executive producer.
There is also speculation that Michael Morrison, who became the show's executive producer in January, will not be at "Katie" for much longer. He was brought in to replace Zucker when he left to become president of CNN. However, the Times reported that "he has been marginalized, according to several staff members there, so much so that rumors are running rampant that he is about to be replaced."
Zucker worked with Couric at "Today," during which time the show started a sixteen-year streak as the country's top morning news program. He teamed up with Couric again for "Katie," before leaving for CNN in November.
Couric's show has been renewed for a second season, and recently scored big ratings with scoops like Notre Dame linebacker Manti Teo's first interview since it was revealed that his girlfriend was a hoax — it delivered the show its highest ratings ever — and Couric's interview with Joe Paterno's widow. She reportedly told her staff in February that she wanted to have more newsy gets, and shift away from fluffier segments typical of daytime television.
Related
Before You Go
