DEBORAH NORVILLE SIGNS ON FOR M LOS ANGELES – February 21, 2007 – CBS Television Distribution has signed Deborah Norville to a multiyear deal to remain Anchor of Inside Edition, the #1-rated newsmagazine in syndication, it was announced today by Roger King, Chief Executive Officer of the company.
“When Deborah joined Inside Edition 12 years ago, she reinvigorated the show with her sharp interview skills and strong news judgment,” King said. “I’m happy that she’ll continue to be the face of the show for years to come.”
Norville joined Inside Edition in 1995 after more than a decade in the television news industry. While at Inside Edition, she has covered major news events such as Pope John Paul II’s funeral; snagged exclusive interviews with newsmakers such as Bethany Hamilton, the young surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack in Hawaii, and Paula Jones; and dedicated herself to investigative reporting, such as when she spent five days as an inmate in a North Carolina penal institution known as the “toughest jail in America.”
“Deborah’s solid news background and willingness to get in the trenches are a huge part of this show’s success,” said Executive Producer Charles Lachman. “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have lead our news team.”
“Over the years, this place has come to feel like home, so I’m thrilled to be staying with the Inside Edition family,” Norville said. “I look forward to continuing to contribute to the show’s success.”
Inside Edition just scored its highest-rated week in just over three years with a 4.1 HH AA% for the week ending Feb. 11. That was up +8% from the same week last year and up +11% vs. the previous week. Season to date, Inside Edition is averaging a 3.5 HH AA%, ranking second among all newsmagazine shows.
Previously, Norville worked at CBS News, where she anchored “America Tonight” and reported for “48 Hours,” “Street Stories” and “CBS Evening News.” She has also hosted her own nationally syndicated radio show, “Deborah Norville Radio Show,” and was co-host of NBC’s “Today” show.
Over the course of her career, Norville has won two national Emmys, a local Emmy and the American Women in Radio and Television’s Gracie Award, which recognizes women’s achievements in the television and radio industries.
Inside Edition, currently in its 19th season and renewed through the 2011-2012 season, is produced and distributed by CBS Television Distribution, a unit of CBS Corp.
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