CBS axes controversial 'Early Show' producer

By Paul J. Gough

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - The senior executive producer at CBS' perennially third-ranked breakfast "The Early Show" was dropped Thursday after only six months on the job.

Shelley Ross, who turned around ABC's "Good Morning America," didn't have the time to do the same at CBS. Rumors of staffer strife and the resignations of as many as 21 "Early" workers plagued Ross during her tenure. Tales of her behind-the-scenes tirades made the New York Post's Page Six gossip column three times in the past week.

"Early" has seen its share of changes in the past year, both behind the camera and in front of it. Two co-anchors, Rene Syler and Hannah Storm, have left, and Ross replaced two well-regarded executives who had improved the ratings.

Taking over temporarily will be Rick Kaplan, executive producer of "CBS Evening News With Katie Couric." Kaplan will remain in that job, though he'll devote most of his time to "Early," beginning with a 3:15 a.m. wake-up call on Friday.

"Rick has built an exceptionally strong senior team there, and the broadcast will be in very capable hands until he returns full time to the 'Evening News,"' CBS News/Sports president Sean McManus said in a statement. He declined a request for an interview.

McManus and Kaplan met with "Early Show" staff Thursday afternoon to discuss the show and its future. Kaplan told The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday that the show is important and that it is key to continue its recent ratings successes.

"It's built up some great momentum," Kaplan said. "The show is looking better. Nobody wants the show to slow down or lose the energy that it's built up."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter