Friday, April 29, 2005

Katie VS Kelly

WHAT a week for Katie Couric. First came a raft of negative publicity for the "Today" show, following the firing of its executive producer.

On Monday, a scathing Times story blamed Couric's "downright scary" image for the program's declining ratings.

Then Jeff Zucker, president of NBC Universal Television, gave high praise to another network's morning personality - Kelly Ripa - at an off-the-record meeting of magazine execs on Tuesday.

When asked whom he would steal from another network, Zucker said: "I'd love to rip off Kelly Ripa because she's as natural as you can get on TV. I think she's fantastic. Incredibly talented."

Could Zucker be hinting at a future "Today" with Matt and Kelly?

After all, Ripa's blond, perky and - unlike Couric - not known as a diva.

Yesterday, NBC publicists went on a p.r. offensive, saying there are no such plans in the works.

And, to be fair, TV insiders say Kelly is too lightweight for "Today."

"I can't imagine Kelly anchoring the pope's funeral - and I doubt Jeff Zucker can either," says media analyst Andrew Tyndall.

Besides, Tyndall adds, Ripa isn't necessarily immune from the same backlash Couric's dealing with: "Kelly hasn't been around nearly as long as Katie," he says. "A couple of scandals, a couple of people who want to talk behind her back - give it time."

Still, it's indisputable that Couric's reign as America's morning sweetheart is tarnished.

Is Kelly ready to claim the title? Here's how the pair stacks up.

KELLY RIPA
Show: "Live with Regis and Kelly" (ABC)
Age: 34
Love interest: Husband, actor Mark Consuelos
Children: Michael, 7; Lola, 3; Joaquin, 2
Big break: Playing Hayley on "All My Children" in 1990
Reported contract: $40 million for 5 years
Personal style: Downtown cool
Shade of blond: Beach
Pet cause: Kids
Viewers: 3.6 million a week

vs

KATIE COURIC
Show: "Today" (NBC)
Age: 48
Love interest: Sometime boyfriend, Red Sox co-owner Tom Werner
Children: Elinor, 9; Caroline, 5
Big break: Replacing Deborah Norville on "Today" in 1991
Reported contract: $65 million for 5 years
Personal style: Westchester mom
Shade of blond: Honey
Pet cause: Colon cancer awareness
Viewers: 6 million a week

(Thanks NYPost)

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