One TV legend will replace another: Jane Pauley will succeed Charles Osgood as anchor of “CBS Sunday Morning,” CBS News announced this morning.
Osgood spent 22 years as host of the top-rated Sunday program and helped keep it classy, smart and respected.
Pauley is a longtime favorite in her own right. She first gained national attention for her 13 years at NBC’s “Today” and later logged 12 years as co-host of “Dateline.” In her 2004 memoir, “Skywriting,” she wrote frankly of being treated for bipolar disorder to spur a discussion about mental health. She joined “CBS Sunday Morning” in 2014 as a contributor.
Her first broadcast as host will be Oct. 9. She will be the program’s third anchor after Charles Kuralt and Osgood.
“Charles Osgood set the standard for ‘CBS Sunday Morning,'” Pauley said. “And it’s a great honor to be given the chance to further our show’s legacy of excellence. I look forward to bringing loyal viewers the kind of engaging, original reporting that has made the broadcast so irresistible for so long.”
For “CBS Sunday Morning,” she has profiled Hillary Clinton, interviewed David Letterman and reported on educators who survived the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
This weekend’s “Sunday Morning” was given over to heartfelt tributes for Osgood. The three evening news anchors — CBS’ Scott Pelley, ABC’s David Muir and NBC’s Lester Holt — taped appreciations. Holt, who frequently competed against Osgood, spoke of his deep respect for the CBS anchor.
That feeling is widely shared. Osgood’s bow tie will be donated to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and become part of the permanent collection there.
Osgood will continue to make occasional appearances on “CBS This Morning.”
The hosts of NBC’s “Today,” ABC’s “Good Morning America” and “CBS This Morning” saluted Osgood for his contributions. Ellen DeGeneres offered comedy: a goofy bit of a dancer, pretending to be Osgood, dancing about the set. A bearded David Letterman called Osgood “a great host.” A poll of viewers said most would miss Osgood’s voice.
The celebration included Anthony Mason’s feature on Osgood’s love of music, Martha Teichner on Osgood’s love of poetry; Tracy Smith on the anchor’s childhood; Mo Rocca on the bow ties; Rita Braver on Osgood’s career in radio and news; and Serena Altschul on Osgood’s favorite TV reports. The program offered another look at Osgood’s report on singer Tony Bennett’s painting.
Lee Cowan traveled to France to visit the Osgood family at their seaside retreat.
Osgood will get to spend more time there after a terrific run at “CBS Sunday Morning.”
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