Couric expected to leave CBS show in June

Nearly five years to the day since announcing her departure from "Today," Katie Couric is on the verge of another transition -- from the "CBS Evening News." She's expected to leave the broadcast as anchor in early June, although sources Monday said talks on a plan that could keep her in place beyond that time were continuing.

Couric is developing a daytime talk show that may be distributed by CBS, which would want to maintain her national visibility through at least part of the 2012 election cycle. The show could be launched in September 2012.

The network Monday downplayed an Associated Press report citing an unnamed executive who said Couric would definitely leave "Evening News." Couric's spokesman declined to comment, while a CBS News spokeswoman said, "We're having ongoing discussions with Katie Couric. We have no announcements to make at this time. Until we do, we will continue to decline comment on rumor and speculation."

Nevertheless, Couric's departure now appears a fait accompli. Associates have long cited her frustration with the anchor job, which originally had been conceived as a synthesis of anchor and talk-show host as opposed to the newsreader role it ultimately became.

Couric's talk show is also being pitched to Time Warner and Comcast-NBCUniversal.

If the show lands at Time Warner, Couric could assume an on-air role at CNN until launch. Likewise, if Comcast buys the program, Couric could have a role at MSNBC. If she remains with CBS, she is expected to continue with "60 Minutes" and could even have a role at "Evening News" -- though not likely in the anchor chair she took over in September 2006.

Possible Couric replacements

The next anchor of "Evening News?" Some possible candidates:

SCOTT PELLEY, 53

"60 Minutes" correspondent. Widely expected to be Couric's replacement, Pelley has been considered a front-runner for months.

HARRY SMITH, 59

Senior correspondent, chief substitute anchor for "Evening News." Well-known and liked by viewers, and already a frequent stand-in.

LARA LOGAN, 40

Chief foreign correspondent, had been mentioned five years ago for possible co-anchor role before Couric arrived. Maybe a long-shot now, but surprises do happen.

-- VERNE GAY