Mixed reviews for Couric's CBS debut

Former Today show host Katie Couric has received mixed reviews for her first outing as the new anchor of the CBS Evening News.

Couric replaced Face The Nation host Bob Schieffer, who anchored the broadcast on a temporary basis after long-time anchor Dan Rather's departure from the network.

In addition to receiving a new presenter, the flagship news bulletin received a makeover of its own; a lower story count, a more conversational tone, and the inclusion of "softer" features in the shape of pictures of Suri Cruise.

Veteran TV critic Tom Shales of the Washington Post suggested CBS change the title of the programme to "The CBS Evening No-News," noting that when it was anchored by the likes of Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather, it was "much newsier."

"One wants to wish her well on the basis of her tremendous charm, but opening night left acres and acres of room for improvement," he concluded.

Alessandra Stanley, writing for the New York Times, was more charitable: "The network’s new face handled her first day at the anchor desk - a shinier, lighter desk - calmly and competently."