I think Diane Sawyer has all the gravitas and credibility to do an outstanding job as anchor. frankly, as Liz said, this comes very late for her. In a fairer world, Sawyer would have been an anchor at least ten years back. But here she is, and I am delighted. I feel she has far more to offer than Katie Couric, who came with a heavy load of perky baggage to shed. I still find it hard to buy into Katie as anchor, although I think she has made huge strides and is beginning to find her "voice" as she grows into the job.

But I also fear that network newscasts in the traditional mold are becoming dinosaurs - huge budgeted, lumbering creatures that are not swift enough, agile enough or fast-paced enough to make it in the kind of environment we now experience. People want information instantaneously - not ten hours later, or even one hour later. Perhaps network news will need to completely redefine itself and use the traditional format in a new way entirely. One-on-one interviews a la Charlie Rose; in-depth coverage of a single important story; major forums and debates; coverage of international news incorporating editorials and reportage from multi-national perspectives; and so on.

At any rate, I couldn’t be more delighted for Ms. Sawyer. She has definitely earned this honor, and she will do a fabulous job. Kudos, and I will be cheering her on!

Of course there is still gender bias in the field.  Come on.  Couric and Sawyer.  Very attractive women … no weight, though.  Sure, I want perky with my evening news.  Or how about a throaty voice with a touch of empathetic eyes?  Makes me want to watch the evening news. 

 There are plenty of female reporters out there who look good (b/c we all know it’s always about the beauty) and have an aura of authority.  ABC’s Carole Simpson comes to mind.

Couric and Sawyers have not broken the glass ceiling in broadcast news.  Gender bias is still alive and well.