( CNN ) -- The newly named co-host of CBS ' `` The Early Show '' acknowledged the work ahead of her in an interview Sunday on CNN 's `` Reliable Sources '' with Howard Kurtz . `` I look at it as a challenge , but I look at any new job as a challenge , '' Erica Hill said . `` I know there 's been a lot written about the challenges that this sort of morning show has had . '' While seen by millions of viewers , `` The Early Show '' has consistently lagged in third place behind NBC 's `` Today '' and ABC 's `` Good Morning America . '' When asked about the show 's ratings struggle , Hill brushed off the stigma . `` What happened in the past happened in the past , '' she said . `` I 'm really focused on the future . ... I 'm putting everything I have into this . '' Hill will be joined by Chris Wragge , with whom she co-anchored the Saturday edition of `` The Early Show '' since 2008 . While current `` Early Show '' co-anchors Harry Smith and Maggie Rodriguez will remain at the helm of the program until early January and maintain roles at CBS News , Hill talked about the uncomfortable process of transitioning . `` It is awkward , '' she said . `` They 're people ... that I adore and that I respect , not just as colleagues , not just as journalists , but also as friends . '' Harry Smith , who has anchored morning shows at CBS for 17 years , said the first of many goodbyes on CBS Radio last week . `` Being on a network television show is a pretty cool job . You get to cover the news of the day , meet movie stars and cook with great chefs , '' Smith said . `` I 'm leaving my job on 'The Early Show ' soon , but I will always be grateful for having one of the best seats in the house . '' Prior to working at CBS , Hill appeared on CNN 's nightly newsmagazine `` AC360 , '' where she joined Anderson Cooper for news bulletins and friendly banter .
Erica Hill says she is `` really focused on the future '' She was named co-anchor of the morning program last week . The station has been struggling to attract younger viewers and advertisers in recent years as it struggled with a drop off in advertising revenue from cable TV providers like Comcast Corp. and Time Warner Cable Inc. Hill previously appeared on CNN 's `` AC360 ''