October 14, 2007

HOWARD KURTZ INTERVIEWED HOWARD KURTZ on Howard Kurtz's Reliable Sources today. The subject? Howard Kurtz's new book! Click "read more" for the transcript. This seems to reflect a profound moment in modern journalism, somehow.

UPDATE: Ian Schwartz has the video.

KURTZ: As you saw at the top of the show, I've been making the TV rounds this week doing what authors do to promote their books. And let me just say, it is a jungle out there. And there was one interviewer in particular that I confessed I did not want to face.

Roll the tape.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KURTZ, INTERVIEWER: Joining us now to flog his new book "Reality Show: Inside the Last Great Television News War" is Howard Kurtz.

KURTZ, AUTHOR: Gosh, thanks for having me. I'm a long-time fan of the show. Can hardly believe I'm talking with you.

KURTZ, INTERVIEWER: Right. So are the network newscasts going to survive? I mean, who wants to wait until 6:30 to get the news anymore?

KURTZ, AUTHOR: I actually believe the NBC, ABC and CBS newscasts are better than ever. In fact...

KURTZ, INTERVIEWER: You can't be serious? Better than in the days of Cronkite, Huntley and Brinkley?

KURTZ, AUTHOR: I am serious. Those black and white programs, with their endless sound bites from officials and lack of storytelling would be considered unwatchable today. The problem is that today's evening newscasts still aren't good enough, not good enough to make them appointment viewing for folks who are being deluged with information 24-7. And certainly not hip enough to attract younger viewers.

KURTZ, INTERVIEWER: When did you become the arbiter of what's hip?

KURTZ, AUTHOR: Just part of my job.

KURTZ, INTERVIEWER: All right. Who's the biggest influence on the anchors these days?

KURTZ, AUTHOR: That's easy. Jon Stewart.

KURTZ, INTERVIEWER: Jon Stewart? But he does fake news!

KURTZ, AUTHOR: He also points out the absurdity real news. "NBC NIGHTLY NEWS" and "CBS EVENING NEWS" have been playing clips from "The Daily

Show." And they've got plenty of company.

KURTZ, INTERVIEWER: So, after spending all of this time watching the network news operations, who do you like better, Brian, Charlie or Katie?

KURTZ, AUTHOR: With all due respect, that's not the point. The real question is...

KURTZ, INTERVIEWER: Don't try to duck. Answer the question. You've got 10 seconds.

KURTZ, AUTHOR: They each have their strengths. For example, Charlie is an old Capitol Hill reporter and...

KURTZ, INTERVIEWER: Let's cut to the chase, Katie, hot or not?

KURTZ, AUTHOR: I hardly think that's relevant.

KURTZ, INTERVIEWER: We're out of time. The book is "Reality Show." And I confess I haven't had time to read it yet, but I hear it is pretty good. Howard Kurtz, thanks very much for joining us.

KURTZ, AUTHOR: It has been real.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KURTZ: Well, that's it for this edition of RELIABLE SOURCES. I'm Howard Kurtz. Join us again next Sunday morning, 10:00 a.m. Eastern for another critical look at the media. "LATE EDITION WITH WOLF BLITZER" begins right now.