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The first woman to solo host a network television evening newscast is calling it quits. Katie Couric is reportedly going to announce her departure from the CBS Evening News in the near future. Her contract expires on June 4.

Couric left her successful NBC gig on the Today Show in 2006 to take over the CBS Evening News. The ratings never materialized and for the past five years Katie has been in third place against NBC’s Brian Williams and ABC’s Diane Sawyer.

The short list of potential replacements includes Russ Mitchell, Scott Pelley and Harry Smith. CBS News Chairman Jeff Fager is also reportedly looking outside of CBS for some fresh talent.

Word is that Couric plans to launch a syndicated talk show in the fall of 2012. She is reportedly negotiating with CBS Corp., a powerful force in the syndication business with Oprah, Dr. Phil and Judge Judy. With a void left to fill when Winfrey departs, it looks like a golden opportunity for Katie.

The news anchor was on vacation last week. When asked to respond to the rumors, CBS News spokeswoman Sonya McNair said yesterday: “We’re having ongoing discussions with Katie Couric. We have no announcements to make at this time. Until we do, we will continue to decline comment.”

Couric’s spokesman, Matthew Hiltzik, has been tight-lipped as well.

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