A new Dan: the odds.(The Beat)(CBS Chairman Leslie Moonves looks for replacing Dan Rather)(Brief Article)

Broadcasting & Cable, November, 2004

There are two things to keep in mind as eyes turn to Rather's replacement. First, the choice must be blessed by CBS Chairman Leslie Moonves. The Viacom co-president is known for involving himself in casting decisions, from sitcoms to reality shows. Second, Moonves likes stars.

It's far from certain that Rather's successor at the CBS Evening News will be either of two highly touted internal candidates, chief White House correspondent John Roberts and 60 Minutes Wednesday correspondent Scott Pelley. Neither is anything close to a household name. Some TV news executives and agents believe that Moonves is likely to go on a star search. Here are some possibilities and their odds:

John Roberts: 2-1. The in-house favorite.

Scott Pelley: 3-1....

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