The NYTimes’ Brian Stelter notes that Oprah‘s departure might have an unexpected effect for CBS “Evening News” anchor Katie Couric and the evening news landscape:

Closely watching, as well, will be evening news anchors like Katie Couric. “World News” on ABC, to be anchored by Diane Sawyer beginning in January, has historically been given a lift by “Oprah,” analysts say, to the detriment of the third-place “CBS Evening News” with Ms. Couric.

Interestingly, Couric’s contract with CBS is up in 2011, which coincides with the conclusion of Oprah’s run, a fact that is sure to drive more speculation about the anchor and her future.

You can still vote in our TVNewser poll asking Which TVNewser will be the next Oprah.

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