just reading the news, right?). The problem with turning newsreaders into celebrities is that they are no longer journalists; they are stars, with all the trappings that brings. They become bigger than the story; they become the story. It's not an interview, it's a "Barbara Walters Special."

They become lulled into an overblown sense of self-importance. They think, like most movie stars, they are qualified to push an agenda (see Rather). It becomes a matter of style over substance, celebrity over journalism. It's show business and hairdos and promotions and celebrity interviews and wardrobe.

But the celebrity is a facade. TV and movie stars make shallow hero-celebs for the most part, too, but at least they can act (excepting Chuck Norris, of course). All newsreaders do is read the news.

In the end, all of this was Rather's undoing. His arrogance and agenda caught up with him. He didn't check his sources on a story about President Bush's military service, one of many indiscretions. Years earlier he lipped off to President Nixon in the White House in a shocking display of disrespect. He once threw a fit and walked off a set, leaving six minutes of dead air. CBS tried to fix up his image by putting him in a sweater (like Mister Rogers) and pairing him with Chung. The network's "handlers" coached him to use warm, folksy sayings.

Handlers? Does this sound like journalism?

Edward R. Murrow would choke on his cigarette if he saw the state of TV news today.

Now CBS is calling in Couric to read the news in the endless quest for the next Cronkite and the ratings. She's being billed as the first solo-flying anchorwoman. But the English have it right; she's a newsreader.

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Doug Robinson's column runs on Tuesdays. Please e-mail drob@desnews.com.