Koppel to Trim ‘Nightline’ Duty to Work on Specials

Ted Koppel signed a new contract with ABC News that will keep him at “Nightline,” where he has anchored since its founding in 1980, through its 25th anniversary in 2005.

The new contract reduces Koppel’s appearances on the weeknight show to three times per week, from the current four, starting in January. “Nightline” runs a consistent second in the time-period ratings to Jay Leno on NBC’s “Tonight Show.”

Under the deal, Koppel will appear more in prime time, on breaking news specials. He is also guaranteed six weeklong “Nightline” series each year, such as his March series on Russia, giving him a chance to examine some topics in depth.

ABC said Koppel will also be part of the late-night “Nightline’s” efforts to establish new partnerships; the show has recently produced documentary programming for PBS, Court TV and the Discovery Channel.

Tom Bettag, the program’s executive producer, also signed a new contract, which will have him producing Koppel’s prime-time specials and the long-form series, as well as overseeing the new partnerships. Day-to-day duties at the program, however, will go to Leroy Sievers, the show’s senior field producer, who was also named executive producer, reporting to Bettag.