DCist has been hearing some disturbing rumors again. Is Nightline host and news vetern Ted Koppel on his way out?
While taking the Metro in to work this morning, we noticed an article in the Express via the LA Times, mentioning the resignation of Nightline executive producer Leroy Sievers.
The LA Times quoted the departing producers resignation letter, which hints at some uncertainty surrounding the show’s future:
The company has made it clear that it is considering fundamental changes to the format and the direction that the broadcast takes in the future. We were unable to agree on those changes…
The D.C.-based late night news program and its’ respected anchor have been a national institution for 25 years. Two years ago, ABC tried to bump off the show citing poor ratings and lure David Letterman into the time slot. After a public outcry and Letterman’s own refusal to leave CBS, the issue subsided.
Now, rumors are circulating again that ABC is looking to fill a potential vacancy in their 11:30 p.m. time slot. The only name mentioned so far? Jimmy Kimmel, whose late night talk show follows Koppel at 12:05am. You remember Kimmel, right? The guy from Comedy Central’s “Man Show”?
In the past few weeks, Nightline earned critical praise for their in depth reporting of the war in Iraq and the presidential election.
