Katie Couric criticized legacy media for showing “anticipatory obedience” toward Donald Trump. The former CBS anchor discussed the industry’s struggles during a Status interview. She warned corporate interests could threaten journalistic independence.
Katie Couric believes legacy media is displaying anticipatory obedience to President Donald Trump.
As reported by Status, Couric was asked about broadcast networks facing pressure from the Trump administration. She gave their performance a “D,” although she stopped short of failing them. “It’s not an F,” Couric said.
She pointed to reports involving 60 Minutes and concerns about its storytelling. Couric called attempts to avoid offending the administration “a total embarrassment.” She said there was “probably some anticipatory obedience” within the industry.
Couric stressed that this problem was not universal across media organizations. “There’s still very good reporting being done,” she said. She also mentioned Brendan Carr’s “chilling effect” on some media outlets.
Couric argued corporate interests could limit independent journalism. She said ownership interests were “not necessarily copacetic” with journalism. That conflict, she suggested, could damage public trust in news organizations.
Couric addressed concerns surrounding Ellison family media ownership. She called possible control of CBS News and CNN “very concerning.” “Having control of too many media outlets is not a good thing,” she said.
Couric discussed declining ratings for network evening newscasts. She said the trend reflected broader changes across the industry. Couric noted that those programs attracted an “older audience.”
She criticized bureaucracy surrounding corporate media. “There’s much less bureaucracy in independent media,” Couric said. She believed independent platforms offered greater freedom for journalists and creators.
Couric founded Katie Couric Media in 2017 after recognizing digital journalism’s importance. She said she witnessed the “democratization of information” through Twitter and social media. Her company has expanded across newsletters, podcasts, websites, and social platforms.
Her comments highlighted concerns about journalism, ownership, and political pressure. Couric argued legacy outlets must adapt while protecting journalistic independence.
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