After much speculation, Katie Couric officially announced she's leaving CBS Evening News Tuesday, she told People's Alicia Dennis. Couric was a controversial pick for the anchor's chair, though her defenders say she shouldn't be blamed for poor ratings given the aging demographics of the broadcast news audience.

"I'm really proud of the talented team on the CBS Evening News and the award-winning work we've been able to do in the past five years in addition to the reporting I've done for 60 Minutes and CBS Sunday Morning. In making the decision to move on, I know the S will be in great hands, but I am excited about the future," Couric told People. "I am looking at a format that will allow me to engage in more multi-dimensional storytelling. ... I have a lot of areas of interest and I want to be able to fulfill all of that."

Details of what Couric's new gig might be "are still being discussed." Couric will end her time in the anchor's chair with coverage of the royal wedding in London. She's expected to be replaced by Scott Pelley, a correspondent for 60 Minutes.
 

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Elspeth Reeve