Part of today's AWRT Panel, (l to r) moderator Mary Alice Williams, Rene Syler, mediabistro.com's Carmen Scheidel and Jolie Solomon of MORE Magazine.

The panel discussion at the American Women in Radio & Television's luncheon this afternoon summed up today's big TV story: "When Life Throws You a Curve: How Industry Changes Impact Your Career."

Before and after the panel, much of the buzz was the WSJ report about CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric's reported early departure from the network as well as the recent cuts at the Eye and beyond.

Former CNN and NBC News correspondent Mary Alice Williams, who also spent a year writing for Couric on the Evening News, served as moderator of the panel. She tells TVNewser, "It's sad. I love Katie, I would walk through fire for Katie," Williams said. "She's preternaturally wise. She'll make the right decision for herself and her family, but it's difficult."

Panelist Rene Syler, former co-anchor of CBS's The Early Show, is also in Couric's corner. "She's strong. I enjoyed working with her and enjoy what she's doing," she said.

But when it comes to the cuts, Syler has some personal experience in that area...

"When I got fired, and yes, I got fired. I left because I was forced. They shut the door and locked it. Let's not sugar coat it," Syler told the crowd at the Times Square Hard Rock Cafe event. Syler has recovered just fine, as author of "Good Enough Mother" and its accompanying Web site.

About those job cuts, Syler said, "I feel bad for my friends and former colleagues. Its a tough time."

Williams noted how the delivery of news started to change even before she began reporting for NBC Nightly News. "Dinnertime news has contracted, it has been since 1980. The news has changed," she said."

• Ed. Note: TVNewser columnist Gail Shister will discuss the Couric news this Sunday on CNN's Reliable Sources.

(Look for the full video of today's panel discussion as part of mediabistro's On Demand video content in the next few weeks)