It's finally official. Katie Couric, who left her spot as anchor of the "CBS Evening News" in May, today signed a multi-year, multi-platform deal with ABC.

Couric, who herself acknowledged that her pending deal with ABC has been the worst kept secret in the news and entertainment business, will host and produce a nationally syndicated daily talk show to be distributed by Disney and ABC.

She will also anchor specials, conduct interviews, and participate in special events coverage for ABC News. According to the news release, Couric's involvement with the ABC News team will begin this summer.

The new talk show, however, isn't expected to debut until September 2012. That project will be produced by Jeff Zucker, the former president of NBCUniversal who executive produced the "Today" show when Couric was on with Matt Lauer.

Scotty Pelley takes over for Couric as anchor on the "CBS Evening News" starting tonight.

Everyone knew it was coming, and now it's official: anchor Katie Couric is leaving "CBS Evening News" when her contract ends in June.

For the official announcement, Couric chose to give the scoop to People magazine instead of her own news network. Couric told People: “I have decided to step down from the CBS Evening News. I'm really proud of the talented team on the CBS Evening News and the award-winning work we've been able to do in the past five years in addition to the reporting I've done for 60 Minutes and CBS Sunday Morning. In making the decision to move on, I know the Evening News will be in great hands, but I am excited about the future."

CBS said: "CBS News, like Katie herself, is looking forward to the next chapter."

Ouch. That sounds a little like a "don't let the door hit ya" kind of statement.

CBS is expected to name Scott Pelley the new anchor of the “CBS Evening News” sometime next week.

As for Couric, she wants to do a daily syndicated talk show and the current rumors are that ABC is interested.

I picked up the phone and the caller asked for me.

I identified myself and the caller said "Hi Adrienne, it's Katie Couric."

OK, so I was expecting the call. The CBS News anchor was calling to discuss "Afghanistan: The Road Ahead," a three-day examination the network is doing on the war in Afghanistan. From today through Wednesday, the 6:30 evening broadcast will break form, using more than half of its half-hour to feature reporting on the complexities of the war.