Anchors Away for Couric

After months of Brangelina-like denials and "no comments," Katie Couric has finally confirmed what the rest of the country took as a given: Come this May, she's abandoning her 15-year post at the Today show to become the solo anchor of CBS Evening News.

"I know it's the worst kept secret in America, but I'm going to be working on the CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes, and I'm very excited about it," Couric said on the Today show Wednesday.

"I wanted to tell all of you out there who have watched the show for the past 15 years that after listening to my heart and my gut--two things that have served me well in the past--I've decided I'll be leaving Today at the end of May. I really feel as if we've become friends through the years."

While Couric, 49, will leave the morning show when her contract expires May 31, she will not ascend her evening news throne until September.

She replaces Bob Schieffer on the Eye network's nightly broadcast, the third-place finisher among network newscasts, but the only one whose ratings have steadily increased in the past few months. The pattern will likely continue through Couric's reign.

At least, the CBS brass hopes it will.

"I'm personally so excited that Katie Couric is coming to the CBS News family," said CBS president and CEO Les Moonves. "With this move, our news division takes yet another giant leap forward. Katie is simply one of the best in the business and represents a tremendous addition to CBS News, which continues to grow and improve."

Added Schieffer: "I couldn't be happier. Katie and I have been friends for years. She's going to be a terrific addition to CBS News. I think we're going to love Katie, and I think Katie?s going to love us."

Couric will also serve as managing editor of the Evening News and as an occasional contributor to 60 Minutes.

"Katie is a world-class reporter," said 60 Minutes executive producer Jeff Fager. "There aren't many people in this business who can conduct an interview as well as she can. It's no wonder [60 Minutes creator] Don Hewitt was chasing her for years to be on this broadcast, and it's exciting that it's finally going to happen."

Couric reportedly accepted a payday comparable to her Today show salary of $13 million-$15 million over five years. But money, apparently, isn't everything: Couric turned down an offer from NBC to remain at the network for a reported $20 million a year.

"Sometimes I think change is a good thing," Couric said, addressing the TV audience. "Although it may be terrifying to get out of your comfort zone, it's also very exciting to start a new chapter in your life."

Exciting, but clearly sad for Couric, who started to get emotional while announcing her new career plans.

"The notion that we're a family is not just some cheesy promotional device," she said of coworkers Matt Lauer, Al Roker and Ann Curry. "I really care deeply about the people here."

The feeling was mutual.

"It's hard to imagine being here and not having you sit next to us," Lauer said.

Still, Couric, who celebrated her 15th anniversary with Today Wednesday, making her the show's longest-running anchor, acknowledged that the series was more than just any one anchor and would continue to succeed with her replacement, View cohost Meredith Vieira (an official announcement is expected soon).

"This is an institution that will continue to grow and thrive because of all the extraordinarily dedicated people who work here and care about the show as passionately as I do," she said.

"For now, it's not good-bye--at least not yet--but a heartfelt thank you for 15 great years."