Katie Couric Launches Web Show With Viral Sensation Glenn Beck

video

by Colby Hall | 8:00 am, September 22nd, 2009

» 4 comments

CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric debuts a new web show today entitled “@katiecouric”, and her first guest is none other than conservative “it” boy and viral sensation Glenn Beck. The Fox News star did not disappoint – in the interview he claims “I think John McCain would have been worse for the country than Barack Obama.”

As reported yesteday by Mediaite’s Steve Krakauer, Couric has somewhat become the “interview-of-record” for conservative darlings – first Sarah Palin and now Beck.

But this is far more than just a news story about Beck revealing his voting preference — 11 months after the election (!). This is a very savvy and aggressive convergence play for CBS News, who have demonstrated how to perfectly orchestrat the launch of a new web series.

In advance of the Beck interview, Couric promoted it via Twitter early Sunday morning: “Interviewing Glenn Beck tomorrow. Would love to include some of your questions. What would you ask him? Send them to me here.” CBSNews.com is also integrating with Facebook to host an online video chat for the users to speak directly with Katie following the webcast, which will air live on Thursday, Sept. 24 from 2-2:30 pm ET.

The video preview of the Beck interview:

Watch CBS Videos Online

cbs, CBS Evening News, Glenn Beck

Magister

I think Katie and CBS have done pretty well with new media. They’re often webcasting events; Katie has a web-based news show and I’ve actually tuned into her after-shows on occasion, even though I may not have watched their broadcast network for the actual event.

It seems to me that the further they can take their ‘net franchise, the better positioned they could be for the future.
m

Good point and agree completely, Magister.
Billy Carter

Good move by Katie Couric to have Glenn Beck on as a guest. It was brilliant for her to have reached out to someone who’s red hot right now and also on FNC.
Glenn Beck can more than hold his own with Katie or anyone else. She probably knows better than to even think about baiting him or criticizing in an unfair way.
Proves she’s not threatened or insecure like Olbermann or MSNBC. It certainly won’t hurt her ratings.
sameasiteneverwas

Couric’s the best!! Hope she can have O’Reilly next