The Virginia-based association American Women in Radio and Television is weighing in on the Dan Rather-Les Moonves feud concerning the former’s remarks about Katie Couric‘s CBS Evening News, specifically the “dumbing it down and tarting it up” ones that Moonves called “sexist.”

President Maria E. Brennan: “It’s surprising — to say the least — to have someone with Mr. Rather’s experience make such deliberately inflammatory remarks about a professional colleague — particularly one with the credibility and accomplishment of Katie Couric. While Mr. Rather may wish to backtrack on the sexist nature of his remarks, I can only note that never have I heard the word ‘tart’ in reference to the male gender. Unfortunately Mr. Rather’s views seem far more personal and pejorative in nature than those of a media professional offering an informed analytical view of the content of CBS’s evening news.”

Couric, of course, is a lifetime member of AWRT and has been awarded multiple Gracie Awards, the association’s annual honors.

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