Perky Katie to be Introduced by Uncle Walter

Just how worried is CBS News about the credibility of their product tanking (or finishing tanking after Dan Rather) with the introduction of Katie Couric as the new anchor? They're trotting out the formerly most trusted man in America - now a grumpy octegenerian - to "introduce" her to America:

Walter Cronkite will introduce Katic Couric on the new CBS EVENING NEWS next week, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned. Cronkite is just one of many superstars, and broadcast legends, that will help the former TODAY host splash onto the nightly news scene.

"It's going to be a who's who of Americana," a top CBS source said on Sunday.

Cronkite will do the introduction of Couric on opening night only, the source said.

CBS brass dismiss the suggestion that adding Cronkite is an attention-grabbing stunt.

"This is a bold statement of continuity and 'trust,' a commitment to the quality of the CBS EVENING NEWS," a top insider explained.

No, actually it's a self-serving statement hoping that some of Uncle Walter's magic will rub off on Katie.

Her ratings will probably be huge early on, but the question is whether she'll be able to sustain them once America realizes that she's not so perky anymore as "America's anchorwoman".