Longtime "Nightline" host Ted Koppel had some harsh words for his former show, noting in an interview with ABC affiliate KOMO-TV that the news show has "become hugely successful, precisely because they are doing what I really didn’t want ‘Nightline’ to do," reports TVNewser.com.

"It’s become a show that’s heavily oriented into entertainment, more than it is in the direction of information and news," Koppel said, according to the story. Koppel was the show's anchor from its debut in 1980 until he retired in 2005.

Koppel gave the interview during a weekend visit to Seattle, where he received the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award in Broadcast Journalism.

He noted that he has been talking with NBC about the possibility of contributing to its new newsmagazine show, although he indicated it's too early to know whether it will happen.

http://www.tvweek.com/blogs/tvbizwire/

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/files/original/Koppel%20Nightline%201.jpg

Last Friday, one of "NIGHTLINE"'s "stories" was nothing more than a glorified "promotional reel" for "PAN AM", which premiered the following Sunday night. And don't get me started about Cynthia McFadden (a cross between Barbara Walters, Diane Sawyer and a gila monster) and her "exclusive" interviews...bleahhhh!!!

Sure, the current version of the series is successful- because it's become a nightly version of "20/20" [which is now, for the most part, a successful imitation of CBS' "48 HOURS MYSTERY" and "DATELINE NBC"], with more "softer" features concerning nature {courtesy of their arrrangements with National Geographic's cable channels to cross-promote their programs} and "lifestyles". The primary target audience of "NIGHTLINE" these evenings is women- and they don't have the patience to sit through a full half-hour on one topic or an extended interview, as Koppel used to offer.

And if Mr. Koppel thinks he might have a better chance doing what he used to do, should he sign with NBC....he's wrong.

:tv:

i dont care for the way nightline is now ether give me the old format any day over the tabloid show that it is now

I can't disagree with Mr. Koppel here. Though I don't agree with a lot of his beliefs, I have always had respect for the integrity Nightline had under his watch. Then again...wasn't he still on the show when they did a story about the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show? :o :crazy: :lol:

Nightline is trying to establish itself as a brand, not just as a late-night news program (http://variety.com/2018/tv/news/nightline-freeform-abc-news-late-night-1202791571/)
Nightline's brand will be showcased in primetime tonight with a Parkland school shooting documentary on Freeform, titled For Our Lives: Parkland. “Nightline is more than just a time slot,” says executive producer Steven Baker. “This is a brand that tells stories, no matter where it is seen.”