In an earlier interview, Koppel had told me, for maybe the tenth time, that he’s really, truly not upset to be leaving ABC. “I know it makes a better story for you,” he said. He dropped his voice to sound like an anchor delivering headlines: “A resentful, bitter Koppel, driven out.” Then he laughed and added, “It’s not the case. I’m not angry. I’m not bitter. I’d like to get on with the next period of my life.” Maybe. Or maybe not. He and Bettag have talked about calling their new show The F-ing Media.

Related:

• Archive: “Features”
• Articles by Meryl Gordon
• Table of Contents: December 5, 2005 issue of New York | Subscribe!