Katie Klone?
Ashleigh Banfield could fill Couric’s shoes at Today.
As the “girl with the glasses” doing breaking news during the nail-biting 2000 presidential election, MSNBC’s Ashleigh Banfield earned raves from TV Guide and People magazine for being able to say something intelligent on her feet despite the twin handicaps of being blonde and bespectacled.
Banfield, 33, is well-known to Dallas viewers as the former evening anchor on KDFW Channel 4, where she worked from 1995 to 1999. Dallas club-crawlers knew another side: the sultry Banfield who belted out rhythm and blues with Tommy Hyatt and the Haywires.
Now, as TV execs court Katie Couric, whose four-year, $28 million contract with the Today show expires next year, rumors are flying that Banfield, current co-host of Newsfront, could inherit her morning coffee cup if Couric leaves the show.
“Working on the Today show would be a dream for anyone in the industry,” Banfield says via e-mail. “It’s the number one news program on television today. That said, it sits in the top spot, in large part, because of Katie Couric.”
If this were a wedding, the dive for the bride’s bouquet would be a catfight. Some of Banfield’s competition: Today news anchor Ann Curry; CNBC’s financial reporter Maria Bartiromo; and Norah O’Donnell, another MSNBC election starlet, who now appears on Dateline and Today. Supporters call Banfield “fresh,” “sexy,” and “dynamic.” But others wonder if her personality is too edgy for viewers at 6 a.m. “Her biggest challenge would be to make that switch when it comes to the fluffy stories,” says LA-based media expert Anthony Mora. “You’re delivering hard news one minute and the next talking about decorating your house or the very
latest toy.”
And winging it during a presidential cliffhanger will be a breeze compared to following in the footsteps of the beloved Couric, who has reigned over mornings for 10 years.
“I’m not sure being her successor is an enviable spot to be in,” says Lisa LeMaster, Dallas media consultant. She points out that Deborah Norville quickly tanked after succeeding Jane Pauley on Today; Couric was next up at bat. “It might be better to be the
second in line.”
top 10 worst drivers
from June 2000 – June 2001
1 Jennifer Eighinger
$7,094.25
(38 citations)
2 Larry Jenkins
$5,750.00
(26 citations)
3 Melissa Marshall
$5,429.75
(34 citations)
4 Derrick Johnson
$5,272.00
(24 citations)
5 Andre Doss
$4,796.25
(27 citations)
6 Shannon Bullock
$3,467.75
(27 citations)
7 Richard Johanson
$3,115.00
(33 citations)
8 Frank Blackwell
$3,089.25
(22 citations)
9 Elray Taylor
$2,773.25
(29 citations)
10 Jerry Ivy
$2,722.75
(232 citations)
people politics business fashion news media
Model Citizen
Irving native Erin Wasson is fashion’s newest favorite.
Erin Wasson never set out to storm the runways. She had no idea that her rebellious elegance and ’80s skater-chick haircut would make her high-fashion’s latest It girl.
While modeling with the Kim Dawson agency during high school, Wasson kept her job at Spring Creek Barbeque. Last fall, the Winfree Academy graduate left Big D for the Big Apple, signed with IMG, and according to the folks at Kim Dawson has had “one of the fastest rises in the history of the modeling industry.” She is now one of the Gucci girls in their fall ad campaign and has been on the cover or in Allure, W, French Vogue, and Nova (not to mention D’s menu guide last year). Her most recent score was a whopping 20-page spread in the September issue of Harper’s Bazaar.
Now married and living in Brooklyn, the 19-year-old is taking a much-needed rest from the frenetic pace of the spring fashion shows, relaxing on the couch instead of posing for the cameras. “She doesn’t talk about [the modeling] part of her life at all,” her mother says. “I have to drag it out of her.” Wasson’s life, after all, doesn’t revolve around the catwalk. It never has.
quotables
“There’s no question that Tony [Banks] is our quarterback.”
-Cowboys head coach Dave Campo. Banks was released one week later.
The buildings aren’t the only things empty downtown.
“We have got to create a dialogue, that really begins to explore what we can create here.”
-Peter Beck, chairman of the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce, at yet another panel discussion on downtown revitalization.
Halloween Stats
1, 2:
According to Costume World, rank of Eyes Wide Shut and Shakespeare in Love
as inspiration for
most popular costumes in 2000
1, 2:
Estimated rank of Moulin Rouge and Planet of the Apes for costumes this year
4,700:
Number of pounds of candy sold at FAO Schweetz in NorthPark
260:
Average calories per serving in a candy bar
2:
Number of times
dentists recommend brushing daily
people politics business fashion news media
Trendspotting:
The State Fair of Texas
University Park Oak Lawn Addison
How They Got There
Luxury S.U.V. (with navigational system This year’s convertible Last Year’s BMW
Top Attraction
Texas-OU Game House of Mirrors Auto Show
Favorite Food
Corny dog with Poupon
Corny dog with vodka Corny dog with Cheez Whiz
Personalized Big Tex Greeting
“Don’t worry, it’s safe.”
“Love the hair. Hope you win.” “How are you doing?”
Blisters From
Prada
Kenneth Cole Loafers without socks
Went Home with
Brochures for next year’s S.U.V.
Big Tex Monogrammed beer steins
Lakewood Plano Arlington
How They Got There
VW Beetle
Minivan Slowly
Top Attraction
Women’s Museum
Food Court Midway games
Favorite Food Black-bean vegan corny dog Conry dog with French’s
Corny dog with a bun
Personalized Big Tex Greeting
“We don’t need to remind you a recycle.”
“A food franchise on every corner.” “It’s not wet but it’s wild”
Blisters From Mephisto K-Swiss
Saucony
Went Home with
Recipes
Turkey legs A greater love for Six Flags
