Ex-Anchor Adrift After CBS News Cuts His Workload

Washington Post ^ | 6/21/06 | Howard Kurtz

[conservative in nyc]

Dan Rather accused CBS executives yesterday of not having "lived up to their obligation to allow me to do substantive work there" as the network announced his departure after a 44-year career.

CBS officials heaped praise on the longtime anchor, even as they were ushering him out the door yesterday. Rather, for his part, made clear his frustration with the network for refusing to renew his contract or give him an ample workload at "60 Minutes."

--Snip--

Rather, who anchored the "CBS Evening News" for 24 years, relinquished the post early last year after apologizing for a 2004 story -- based on documents that could not be authenticated -- that charged President Bush had received favorable treatment from the National Guard three decades ago.

McManus would not address whether the botched Guard story, which prompted the resignations of three senior network executives and the firing of Rather's producer, was a factor in CBS's decision to end Rather's career there. On the advice of company lawyers, McManus never met with Rather.

--Snip--

John Hinderaker, a lawyer whose conservative blog raised early questions about the disputed Guard documents, said it was "really indefensible" for Rather to have stood by the story for nearly two weeks. But, he said, "I've got some sympathy for the view that he had a long and distinguished career and that one episode shouldn't negate a lot of years of hard work. I always kind of liked the guy. He was a little quirky, an old-fashioned anchorman."

Rem Rieder, editor of American Journalism Review, said Rather "certainly brought on a lot of his own problems with the National Guard story. But given his long history with CBS and all the work he's done, you just wish there would have been a more graceful way to end this saga....

[sergeantdave]

Dan Rather and his audience proves that some percentage of Americans are hopelessly stupid and should be allowed to fly kites near powerlines.

[norwaypinesavage]

"based on documents that could not be authenticated"

The documents were obvious forgeries to any objective observer. To give the documents even this amount of authenticity exposes an obvious bias on the part of the writer. But, of course, everyone here knows that already.

[Eastbound]

"Was it one of those liberal weasel apologies- "for those who were offended" type ?"

I think that's accurate, but the apology was fake nonetheless.

[Skooz]

Dan Rather's likely new home, HDNet

Drat. One of the few HD satellite stations I get, and his mug will be on it.

I hope it doesn't happen.

[norwaypinesavage]

Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From town to town, across fly over land
The summer's gone, and the old media’s dying
'tis you, 'tis you must go and we must bide.

But don’t come back since truth is in the meadow
Since now your voice is hushed and over now
’cause we'll be there in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, none love you now

And if you come, with all old media dying
Since it’s near death, as dead as it can be
You'll come and find the place where we are standing
And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me.

And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread beneath me
And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be
If you'll not fail to tell me that you love me
I sleep in peace if you’re ne’er seen again.

[A Citizen Reporter]

It's over, Dan. The wheel has turned. It's time for you to go.

Oh perfect!

[N. Theknow]

But given his long history with CBS and all the work he's done, you just wish there would have been a more graceful way to end this saga....

How about disemboweling himself as a gutless wonder.

Self-immolation as a flaming liberal.

Self-castration with a rusty knife as an emasculated jackass.

Crushing his skull in a mammogram device as a mindless boob.

[Eastbound]

"He was a little quirky, an old-fashioned anchorman.""

I'd say he tried to 'crown' his career with a 'fluke' story but got 'shanked' when he was caught dragging it through the 'tripping line' at Free Republic.

[1Old Pro]

In ten years he'll be as batty as Cronkite.

that already happened, ten years ago.

[Eastbound]

"Crushing his skull in a mammogram device as a mindless boob."

You're waaaay too compassionate.

He shoulda been forced to sit and listen to Connie Chung warble 'Thanks for the Mammories' at his retirement party.

[hardknocks]

How long you think it'll take before CNN tries to snatch him up?

[Polyxene]

"Maybe Castro will hire him."

And he will be called "Havana Dan" -- Cuba's answer to Baghdad Bob!

[Bender2]

Upset? Upset! That why I climbed up this tower with a rifle...

[Eastbound]

"How long you think it'll take before CNN tries to snatch him up?"

That would be a fitting cap to his 'legacy,' wouldn't it? But wouldn't it be a riot if he rejected the offer and told them to 'shove it?' What a laughing stock CNN would be. Did I say 'stock'? Heh. CNN would tank quicker'n Connie Chung's singing career.

[incredulous joe]

"What's the frequency, Kenneth?"

Third level of Dante's Hotspot; cheats, fabricators, maligners, prevaricators, obfuscaters and liars.

Going down!