'Katie Era' Expected to End At CBS

CBS News soon will announce a transition from Katie Couric, who plans to launch a syndicated daytime talk show in the fall of 2012, according to industry sources.

According to Mike Allen at Politico, Scott Pelley is her most likely successor; another internal candidate is Harry Smith. CBS remains hopeful that Katie will continue contributing to CBS News, including "60 Minutes," in conjunction with a syndication deal. She has discussed a similar dual role with NBC.

• Her contract as anchor and managing editor of the "CBS Evening News" ends June 4, although she could depart sooner, or agree to a brief extension. She's headed to London to cover the royal wedding at the end of the month. Couric has chosen to move on because of the great opportunities being presented for her to do this syndicated show while still maintaining presence/visibility on various news platforms. Ultimately, Couric felt that the 22-minute format was confining. She recognized the importance of making her intentions clear so that CBS could take the necessary steps to begin the transition. This highlights the professionalism and lack of conflict. Katie's new book, "The Best Advice I Ever Got: Lessons from Extraordinary Lives," will be out April 12.

• Pelley, 53, has spent 22 years at CBS, covering everything from the Branch Davidians to Iraqi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, and has conducted six presidential interviews. He has been a "60 Minutes" correspondent since 2004, and has been a correspondent for "60 Minutes II," chief White House correspondent, and a Dallas-based correspondent. Katie returns from vacation today, and will be in the chair tonight for the "CBS Evening News." Then she leaves on a "60 Minutes" reporting trip with Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

Tom's Take:  Katie can thank Oprah for the daytime talk show op.