Katie Couric is reportedly unhappy with plans to make her daytime show more "gossip-centric," the New York Daily News said Tuesday.
The newspaper spoke to sources who said that the second season of Couric's show will lean more heavily on celebrity gossip and fashion, and that "gorgeous talking heads" will be dropping by. Couric is frustrated with being “dumbed down,” a source told the Daily News.
“If there is one thing Katie hates more than being called ‘perky,’ it's being called ‘tabloid,'" the source said. “She thinks of herself as a serious journalist, covering stories that make a difference. She’s fighting this."
The source also said that Couric was ready to quit the show after the first season, but that incoming executive producer Rachel Miskowiec promised to find a balance between hard news and fluffier segments.
The account echoes previous reports about Couric wanting more newsy scoops for the show, and fewer fluffy segments. In March, the Hollywood Reporter described the host as experiencing "increasing discomfort" with the lighter fare that is typical of daytime television.
The publication wrote that at a staff meeting in February, Couric "stressed that she would not compromise her journalistic brand and that she wants to have fun but also do meaningful work." The message was well-received by staffers, according to THR.
Despite the behind-the-scenes drama described by sources and high staff turnover, however, Couric's show continues to fare well in the ratings. In fact, it was the highest-rated program among the daytime shows that debuted last fall.
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