The number one six-o’clock news program is now on ABC with Charlie Gibson.
There were many great news anchors: Walter Cronkite, Peter Jennings, Chet Huntley, David Brinkley, Tom Brokaw (to name the ones that come to my mind). And I think Charlie Gibson will be added to these names. He brings the most humanly connected broadcast that is possible on TV. You feel as if he’s one of the viewers, with the luck of actually being there among the newsmakers. At first it was “Charles,” but he was just too down-to-earth to not be “Charlie.”
His start on GOOD MORNING AMERICA in 1987 brought a relaxed atmosphere that came with him to the news. This has never diminished the seriousness of the broadcast. Charlie Gibson travels the country and the world to give us the best perspective of events. In fact, I’ve often wondered when he sleeps considering the many hours he’s on the air. His stamina is amazing!
The best debate with all the candidates this year was the one Mr. Gibson moderated.
After the Republican debate and before the Democratic one, all the contenders were on the stage together. His hope seemed to let the viewers see that these are just people that happen to be in the national spotlight.
People who are a part of the broadcast appear quite comfortable with Charlie. I have watched interviews where he did make the person squirm with hard questions, but only because he or she deserved to. There’s only one thing I wish he would change. His closing is, “I hope you had a good day, and we hope you have a good night.” That is so terribly corny, even for a Charlie.
Archie Harris covers digital cable tv providers. Mr. Harris navigates through the digital world and discovers the best consumer friendly deals from companies like Comcast, Charter, and Time Warner Cable.
