Rock Center is Dateline by another name. It’s NBC’s attempt to strike gold by gathering as much star power as they can in one place. It could work for the casual viewer, but, as a media professional, it’s just another news magazine. And I can’t say this enough – JOURNALISTS ARE NOT STARS!

So, let’s look at the field. Have to start with CBS because they’ve still got the King of all news magazines – 60 Minutes. And, whatever version of 48 Hours they’re on now… OK. ABC has 20/20 and Nightline. I must admit that Nightline is my favorite. The show is always full with strong reporting and interesting stories told in a thoughtful manner. Too bad more news magazines aren’t as efficient – half hour or not. And of course, NBC has Dateline.

But, this new show smacks of the Tonight Show debacle when NBC tried to save money by putting Jay Leno in front of a camera at 10 instead of creating quality primetime programming. How’d that turn out NBC?

I know they’re struggling in the programming race, but, another news magazine that offers nothing unique or special? Really could be just filling a time slot or we can get back to the most logical reason – Brian Williams. AND, we’re back to the issue of the star power.

Of the three evening news anchors, Brian Williams is and has been the favorite. Not my favorite, but, viewers love Brian Williams. So, there’s the start. Then we fold in Harry Smith and Ted Koppel. Now you’ve got my attention as a media professional.

As previously mentioned, love the Harry Smith. CBS just made a mistake that NBC capitalized upon. Harry is well respected… He’s a solid journalist and a great anchor. CHECK for NBC. Then there’s Ted Koppel. For those of you who don’t remember, there was a little bit of a brouhaha over Koppel’s departure from Nightline – a show that he started and anchored for 25 years – 42 total years with ABC. I like Koppel and he certainly carries media clout. CHECK.

But, what about Kate Snow? So, this is where it gets interesting. I wouldn’t say Kate Snow has true media clout yet, but, she has the polish to get there. My thought is that she could be the Barbara Walters of her generation. She left ABC for NBC and is getting the attention I’m thinking ABC should have given her.

I remember being really impressed at just how polished she was as an anchor at ABC and thinking, “Why is ABC so concerned about heirs-apparent when they have such a strong stable of young but very capable talent?” Aahh, yes, back to the star power… NOW! Can’t get away from the immediate news cycle/immediate news stars.

Of note: The show also made mention of some of The Today Show team as contributors? I’m just going to ignore that – it has no relevance and adds nothing to the value of the product for me.

So let’s stay tuned. The premier offered nothing out of the ordinary for a news magazine. Let’s see if Brian can really carry this show, ‘cause that’s really all ROCK CENTER is about…