News on News - CBS

CBS News' Betty Nguyen to Leave Network

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:11:22 +0000

TVNewser's Chris Ariens is reporting that CBS Morning News presenter, Betty Nguyen, is to leave the network.

Ariens wrote: "Betty Nguyen who’s been with CBS News for the last two years, is leaving the network.

“Preparing to anchor my last show on CBS News,” Nguyen Tweeted this morning, just before anchoring the early morning “CBS Morning News.”

“It’s been an incredible experience working with some of the best in the business.”"

CBS and NFL Reach New Nine-Year Broadcast Rights Agreement

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:52:28 +0000

The National Football League has announced that CBS has been awarded a new nine-year broadcast rights agreement that runs through the 2022 season. In the new deal, CBS Sports remains the broadcast home of the NFL's American Football Conference (AFC).

In addition, as part of the NFL's expanded "flexible scheduling," CBS will also broadcast games from the National Football Conference (NFC). This will be the first time CBS will broadcast AFC and NFC matchups in the same season. CBS will broadcast Super Bowl L in 2016, Super Bowl LIII in 2019 and Super Bowl LVI in 2022, in addition to Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans in 2013.

"The NFL provides terrific, exciting programming to our viewers week-in and week-out," said Leslie Moonves, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation. "No other franchise delivers ratings the way an NFL game does. The League has proven time and again that it understands the importance of a healthy broadcast partner, and this historic new agreement strengthens that partnership. In addition, the deal continues CBS's ability to be profitable with the NFL throughout the coming decade and beyond."

"CBS has been broadcasting the NFL for 52 years, and we are extremely pleased to extend our long-term partnership," said Sean McManus, Chairman, CBS Sports. "This commitment is further proof of the valued relationship CBS shares with the NFL and of the overall strength of CBS Sports. The opportunity to add quality NFC games greatly enhances our television package. We look forward to continued growth as we broadcast the NFL for many more years to come."

Twelve of CBS's 14 owned stations are in NFL markets, including New York, San Francisco/Oakland, Boston, Miami, Denver, Pittsburgh and Baltimore, which are all AFC markets.

This new deal is the longest ever with the NFL and its broadcast partners, surpassing the eight-year deal from 1998-2005. CBS Sports, which first began televising NFL regular-season games in 1956 and this season marks its 52nd season, had broadcast rights to the National Football Conference package from 1970 through 1993. The Network began televising American Football Conference games in 1998.

CBS Acquires WLNY-TV, Giving Network a Duopoloy in New York Media Market

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 12:48:43 +0000

CBS Television Stations has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to purchase independent New York television station WLNY-TV (Channel 55).

Terms of the agreement with the seller, WLNY Holdings, Inc., were not disclosed. The acquisition of WLNY-TV (whose call letters stand for We Love New York), along with WCBS-TV (CBS 2), will give CBS a duopoly in the nation's largest media market.

"Our acquisition of WLNY-TV presents a tremendous opportunity for our TV Stations Division," said Peter Dunn, President, CBS Television Stations. "The combined strengths of CBS 2 and WLNY-TV will give us a terrific platform for serving the entire New York area. Our plans for the station include adding people and resources to fuel a significant expansion of local news programming well beyond the nightly half-hour that currently airs. And, of course, in doing so we will continue to honor the station's already deep commitment to serving the people of Long Island and the entire tri-state area. We also look forward to having a bigger and better news bureau on Long Island that will be a terrific resource for WCBS."

"We look forward to leveraging our CBS Local Media assets, including CBS 2, CBS RADIO and CBSNewYork.com, plus CBS Outdoor and CBS Television Distribution, which already provides many of WLNY's most-popular syndicated programs, to promote and broaden the appeal of WLNY throughout the tri-state area and drive ratings and revenue growth," said Anton Guitano, Chief Operating Officer, CBS Local Media.

"WLNY-TV is a perfect fit for CBS as it will enhance its position as a forward-thinking entertainment and news organization," said David Feinblatt, President, WLNY-TV.

WLNY-TV is widely distributed by cable, satellite and other subscription television service providers in the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut tri-state area. The station appears as either Channel 10 or Channel 55 on most channel lineups and Channel 55 as an over-the-air service.

Once the acquisition of WLNY-TV has been finalized, CBS will own duopolies in 10 markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Dallas, San Francisco, Boston, Detroit, Miami, Sacramento and Pittsburgh. Currently, the CBS Television Stations group includes 28 stations, including 16 that are part of the CBS Television Network, eight affiliates of The CW Network, two independent stations and two MyNetworkTV affiliates.

The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory and other approvals.

CBS Makes Television Ratings History as 20 Shows Rate in Top 30

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 17:22:35 +0000

CBS has made television history becoming the first Network ever to place 20 of the top 30 programs in viewers through the first three weeks of the season.

CBS programs in the top 20 include TWO AND A HALF MEN, NCIS, NCIS: LOS ANGELES, THE BIG BANG THEORY, 2 BROKE GIRLS, CRIMINAL MINDS, THE MENTALIST, 60 MINUTES, UNFORGETTABLE, MIKE & MOLLY, PERSON OF INTEREST, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, HAWAII FIVE-0, BLUE BLOODS, THE GOOD WIFE, SURVIVOR: SOUTH PACIFIC, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, CSI: NY and CSI: MIAMI and THE AMAZING RACE.

Through the first three weeks of the season, CBS is the #1 network in viewers, averaging 12.68 million, adults 18-49 with a 3.4/09 and adults 25-54 averaging a 4.4/11.

NCIS is the #1 drama on television in viewers and key demographics and TWO AND A HALF MEN is the #1 comedy on television in viewers and key demographics.

Thomas Shilen Jr Named Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of CBS News

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 13:51:08 +0000

CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Joseph Ianniello has announced two key appointments within the Company's finance organization.

First, Thomas S. Shilen, Jr., who has served as the Company's Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer since joining CBS in March 2010, has been named Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of CBS News. At the same time, Larry Liding, who had been Deputy Controller, has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of CBS Corporation. Both positions are effective immediately.

"I'm pleased to announce the appointment of these two strong executives, each of whom is taking on a key role at CBS," said Ianniello. "Since coming to CBS, Tom has provided excellent leadership at the CAO position, and I know he will now be a key asset for Jeff Fager and David Rhodes as they continue to build the best organization in broadcast journalism. At the same time, Larry has been groomed for the Controller and CAO position for many years. His financial acumen is second to none and he will now be an even greater asset to our Company in his new role."

Prior to joining CBS, Shilen was Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller at Sara Lee Corporation. Before that, he served as Senior Vice President, Global Reporting and Deputy Controller at American Express Company. Shilen also spent four years at Citigroup, Inc., first as Chief Financial Officer of the Citigroup Private Bank and then as Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of Citi Home Equity.

From 1998 to 2003, Shilen held various senior level positions at General Electric Company, including three years as CFO of GE Capital Markets Services, Inc., and two as Vice President, Corporate Finance and Controller of NBC. From 1992 to 1998, he was with Pepsico, Inc., where he held a number of accounting and controllership roles. Shilen began his career as an accountant with Coopers & Lybrand, and also spent seven years with Deloitte & Touche.

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a Certified Public Accountant in New York and Florida, Shilen serves on the boards and committees of several charitable organizations.

Liding has served as Deputy Controller of CBS Corporation since March 2010, where he was responsible for financial reporting and SEC compliance as well as other financial planning and analysis. He previously served as the Company's Assistant Controller beginning in January 2006. Prior to that, he joined Viacom in 1995, eventually becoming Vice President of Financial Reporting until CBS's separation in 2005.

Liding, a Certified Public Accountant, graduated from Rider University in 1993 with a degree in accounting.

CBS Face the Nation Ties with NBC and ABC in Adult Demo for 4th September

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 14:16:59 +0000

CBS News' Face the Nation tied for first in adults 25-54 (with NBC, ABC), posting a 1.7/05 in households with 2.32m viewers and 0.6/03 in adults 25-54 according to Nielsen live plus same day ratings for Sunday, September 4, 2011.

Compared to the same week last year, Face the Nation was up +31% in households, +25% in viewers, +40% in "boomers", +50% in adults 25-54 and +100% in men 25-54.

On the broadcast, Bob Schieffer interviewed Republican presidential hopefuls Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) and Gov. Jon Huntsman (R-Utah) to discuss their plans to create jobs and improve the economy, plus the Republican Presidential primary campaign.

Face the Nation is broadcast Sundays (10:30-11:00 AM, ET; check local listings) on the CBS Television Network. Mary Hager is the Executive Producer.

Face the Nation is one of the longest-running news programs in the history of television. It premiered on CBS on Nov. 7, 1954. The program broadcasts from Washington, D.C., where Schieffer has spent more than 25 years covering government and politics. He has anchored "Face the Nation" since 1991. Guests include government leaders, politicians, and global figures in the news.

CBS Prepares to Kick Off 52nd Year of NFL Broadcasts

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 14:13:46 +0000

The CBS Television Network begins its 52nd year broadcasting the NFL with regional coverage as THE NFL ON CBS kicks off its 2011 NFL season broadcast schedule on Sunday, Sept. 11 (1:00-4:00 PM, ET) beginning with THE NFL TODAY, the Network's one-hour studio show (12:00 NOON-1:00 PM, ET), live from THE NFL TODAY studio in New York City.

THE NFL ON CBS lead announce team of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms call the action from the Pittsburgh Steelers-Baltimore Ravens game live from M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md. Lance Barrow is the coordinating producer and lead game producer and Mike Arnold is the lead game director.

Sean McManus is Chairman, CBS Sports, and serves as Executive Producer of CBS Sports' coverage of THE NFL ON CBS. Harold Bryant is Executive Producer and Vice President, Production, CBS Sports.

Excerpts from 'NFL on CBS' Conference Call

(On Pittsburgh-Baltimore Rivalry in Week 1)

JIM NANTZ: This arguably, is as big a rivalry here in the last five years in the NFL as anyone. To think that they're going to play in Week 1...To have Pittsburgh at Baltimore...It's the biggest opener we've ever had. There's just so much bad blood between those two teams, especially with what happened in those last two games last year when Baltimore had the edge and Pittsburgh came back to beat them and ultimately eliminate them in the playoffs.

PHIL SIMMS: I've been waiting for this for a couple of weeks. I've looked at the game they played in the playoffs many times. From a player's perspective, if I were a Baltimore Raven I don't know if I'd still be over last year's loss. There were so many opportunities for them to win...There were mistakes that the Ravens made where they just basically gave it to the Steelers. That is an awful way to go into the off-season...The dislike is so strong, it's so real. To get it [this game] on Week 1, I think it's great.

(On Eagles being favorite in NFC East and a legitimate contender)

DAN DIERDORF: Yes, I would make them the favorite in the East. Again, they haven't played a down yet in the regular-season. So much depends upon staying healthy...On paper, they look magnificent. We've seen great teams on paper not perform well on the field. But I don't see any reason, given the quality of the coaching that Andy Reid and his staff have, why the Eagles wouldn't win the NFC East.

NANTZ: I think the Cowboys will take the division, but what do I know? Check back with me in the first week of January. There is way too much attention given to the Eagles right now and it's going to be hard for them to live up to it, starting with Week 1 at St. Louis.

SIMMS: I'm not convinced about the offensive line, shifting around, not getting to work together, still making adjustments all the way up to the last week before the first game...When you watch the Eagles, I know it's preseason but it was a carry-over from what we saw last year that sometimes they get mushed...It's still about men, and can those men, Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, get it done? A lot of question marks. They're going into a really rough contest in St. Louis. I'm anxious to see how they perform. The East is going to be a mess. The Eagles will have a hard time with all three teams they're going to play in that division. If I had to pick a winner, I'd still pick the Eagles. It's just not going to be easy. Nobody is going to waltz through there 13-3 or 12-4, that's for sure.

CBS Sports and PGA Tour Announce new Broadcast Coverage Deal

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:51:51 +0000

CBS Sports and the PGA Tour have announced the completion of an unprecedented broadcast network television agreement with CBS, which will secure the PGA Tour's television rights for the next 10 years.

With the current deal running through 2012, the new nine-year agreement will extend from 2013 through the 2021 season.

"CBS Sports is delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with the PGA Tour," said Sean McManus, Chairman, CBS Sports. "As we have for more than 50 years, we value our partnership with the Tour and have tremendous confidence that the Tour is well-positioned for continued growth and success. This deal continues CBS Sports' goal and strategy to renew our most important marquee properties in a way that is positive for CBS' business interests. The Tour and its sponsors have been great partners, and we look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come."

CBS Sports will continue its current broadcast television package with an average of 20 Tournaments through the life of the agreement. Highlights of the CBS Sports schedule include the majority of the popular "West Coast Swing" beginning with the Farmers Insurance Open, Waste Management Phoenix Open, AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and Northern Trust Open; a strong spring and summer schedule including the Wells Fargo Championship, the Memorial Tournament Presented by Nationwide Insurance and the AT&T National; the end of the FedExCup Regular Season including the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational and the play-in event to the PGA Tour Playoffs for the FedExCup, the Wyndham Championship; and coverage of The Barclays to begin the Playoffs.

CBS will broadcast more than 130 hours of live weekend coverage per year.

CBS News' Face The Nation Heads to Ames, Iowa Presented by Norah O'Donnell

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 22:00:23 +0000

On Sunday, Aug. 14, CBS News' Face The Nation will broadcast live from the Iowa State University campus in Ames, the site of the 2011 Republican Presidential Straw Poll.

For the first time, CBS News' Chief White House Correspondent Norah O'Donnell will anchor the broadcast for the vacationing Bob Schieffer.

O'Donnell's guests will include Presidential Candidate Michele Bachmann.

CBS News' Face The Nation is broadcast Sundays (10:30-11:00 AM, ET; check local listings) on the CBS Television Network. Mary Hager is the executive producer.

CBS News and National Journal Announce Joint Coverage Team for 2012 Election

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:03:17 +0000

National Journal and CBS News have named the members of their new joint political team dedicated to multi-platform coverage of the 2012 presidential election.

The team, led by Caroline Horn of CBS News and Kathy Kiely of National Journal, will report for CBS News, cbsnews.com, and NationalJournal.com, providing coverage from the field with online dispatches, video, and social media updates. Reports will appear on both organizations' websites.

"This group of journalists is exactly the kind of extraordinary team we imagined our partnership with CBS News could produce," said Ron Fournier, editor-in-chief of National Journal. "Under the experienced leadership of Caroline and Kathy, this team will give the National Journal and CBS News audiences a front-row seat to the critical 2012 campaign."

"The CBS News/National Journal partnership for 2012 election is off to a tremendous start with the selection of these six very talented political reporters," said Christopher Isham, Vice President and Washington Bureau Chief, CBS News. "We are also very excited to be working closely with Ron Fournier and the outstanding editorial team at NJ as this political season moves into high gear."

The CBS News/National Journal Campaign 2012 Team is:

Caroline Horn, Senior Producer, CBS Evening News (Twitter: @CNHorn)
Caroline Horn was named CBS News' Senior Producer for Politics in July 2011. Prior to that, she coordinated political coverage for the "CBS Evening News." Horn joined CBS News in October 2010 from Bloomberg Television where she was a field producer. Previously, she served as deputy senior producer for politics at The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer during the 2010 campaign season.

Kathy Kiely, Managing Editor for Politics, National Journal (Twitter: @kathykiely)
Kathy Kiely has been Managing Editor of Politics for National Journal since 2010. Prior to joining NJ, she covered Congress and national politics for 12 years at USA Today. Kiely has also covered the White House and Washington for the New York Daily News, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the Houston Post, and the Pittsburgh Press. She has covered every presidential election since 1980.

Lindsey Boerma (Twitter: @Lindsey_CBSNJ)
Lindsey Boerma is a staff reporter for National Journal, where she has been covering the 2012 presidential race. Prior to joining National Journal, Boerma was a reporter at the Lincoln (Ill.) Daily News. A graduate of Pepperdine University, she served as editor-in-chief of the Graphic, politics reporter for TV 32 and campaign watch columnist during the 2008 presidential election.

Sarah Boxer (Twitter: @SarahB_CBSNJ)
Sarah Boxer is an associate producer for CBS News' "The Early Show," where she covers politics, economics and breaking news. She also field produced during CBS News' coverage of the 2008 presidential election, the Madoff trial, the 2010 BP oil spill, the assassination attempt on Representative Gabrielle Giffords, the Royal Wedding, as well as the final NASA space shuttle launches. Before becoming a member of the CBS News team, Sarah worked for CNN's New York Assignment Desk, which she joined after attending Cornell University.

Rodney Hawkins (Twitter: @Rodney_CBSNJ)
Rodney Hawkins is a broadcast associate for CBS Weekend News, as well as closed captioning coordinator. A graduate of Howard University, Hawkins joined CBS News full-time after completing several long-term internships at CBS News in both the CBS Weekend News and "CBS Evening News" departments.

Sarah Huisenga (Twitter: @SarahH_CBSNJ)
Sarah Huisenga has served as a Producer and field producer for CBS News' "48 Hours Mystery" since 2008. Prior to joining CBS News, she was a documentary producer at Chicago-based Towers Productions. A native Iowan, Huisenga is a graduate of the University of Iowa.

Rebecca Kaplan (Twitter: @Rebecca_CBSNJ)
Rebecca Kaplan is a staff reporter for National Journal, where she has been covering the White House. Before joining National Journal, Kaplan interned at USA Today, Time, and Slate. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in political communication and diplomatic history.

Naureen Khan (Twitter: @Naureen_CBSNJ)
Naureen Khan is a staff reporter for National Journal, where she covers politics and policy. She has previously worked as a general assignment reporter for the Raleigh News & Observer and the Austin American-Statesman. Khan graduated from Duke University, and served in various leadership capacities for The Chronicle, including covering the 2008 elections in North Carolina.

Follow @CBSNJ2012 for breaking news and updates from the CBS News/National Journal Campaign 2012 Team.

CBS News' Nancy Cordes Talks Debt Ceiling Crisis with House and Senate Chaplains

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:12:00 +0000

As the debt deadline approached, Senate Chaplain Barry Black issued the first warning to his congressional flock and House of Representatives chaplain Father Conroy offered House members counsel and a respite from the stalemate.

Tonight on the CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley (6:30 PM, ET), Congressional correspondent Nancy Cordes speaks with the two chaplains and learns how prayer, counsel and perhaps even divine intervention played a role in the two sides striking a deal.

On the floor, Chaplain Black said, "Lord, as our nation faces the potentially catastrophic, inspire our lawmakers...Lord help them comprehend the global repercussions of some poor decisions..." Black tells Cordes that he was reflecting on the nation's concern. "We were getting people faxing us prayers and they wanted us to pray."

Father Conroy, a Jesuit priest, tells Cordes his basic message to House members was "you have to be totally honest with yourself. And stand by your principles, but never stop asking, Are my principles life-giving now? Or have I stuck with them to a point where they are no longer where I am?"

Cordes' report will be broadcast tonight on the CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley (6:30 PM, ET), on the CBS Television Network. Pat Shevlin is the executive producer.

CBS Evening News Lands Interviews with Speaker Boehner and Vice President Biden

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 20:26:11 +0000

On tonight's CBS Evening News, Scott Pelley has secured interviews with both House Speaker John Boehner and Vice President Joe Biden as congress prepares to vote on a possible budget deal.

In addition, Pelley gets input from members of both sides of the House in a joint discussion with Reps. Andy Harris (R-Md.), Sam Graves (R-Ga.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.).

Biden, who also gives his only interview of the day to Pelley, is expected to talk about the weekend's negotiations which as led to the compromise debt deal about to be voted on in Congress.

The interviews will be broadcast on the CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley (6:30 PM, ET) on the CBS Television Network. Pat Shevlin is the executive producer.

CBS to Broadcast 10th Anniversary Special on 9/11

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:48:57 +0000

The CBS Television Network and filmmakers Jules and Gedeon Naudet and James Hanlon will present "9/11: 10 YEARS LATER," an update of the critically acclaimed, multiple award-winning film, "9/11," to be broadcast on CBS as a special presentation Sunday, Sept. 11 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT), the 10th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center.

This unprecedented and exclusive insider's account of the World Trade Center attack, which contains the only known footage of the first plane striking the World Trade Center and the only footage from inside Ground Zero during the attacks, will also include footage from events marking the 10th anniversary, as well as new interviews with many of the firefighters who were featured in the original program. They will discuss how their lives, families and the world have changed in the 10 years since the tragedy - some for better, some for worse. Viewers will also hear from New York City Fire Department health officials as they discuss some of the health issues that have plagued firefighters working at Ground Zero.

Two-time Academy Award winner Robert De Niro returns as host of the program, taking viewers back to Ground Zero 10 years later, as the special presents exclusive footage inside the rebuilding of the site and the 9/11 Memorial.

In May 2001, the New York City Fire Department allowed the Naudets and Hanlon access to film Duane Street's Engine 7, Ladder 1 (Ladder 1 is one of New York's oldest fire companies, founded in 1772). The filmmakers wanted to follow the journey of a probationary firefighter, Tony Benatatos, through the ranks. On Sept. 11, 2001, their film - and their lives - changed forever. On that fateful day, the Naudets were in lower Manhattan shooting footage for the documentary when Jules suddenly heard a roar from above and turned his camera upward. In doing so, he captured the only known video of the first plane striking the World Trade Center. Camera still rolling, Jules followed the firefighters into the heart of what would soon be known as Ground Zero. Gedeon also rushed to the scene. Over the next several hours, the brothers captured extraordinary video unlike any broadcast since, including 75 minutes of footage from inside the North Tower as the rescue effort was underway. Jules' camera was rolling when the South Tower collapsed, creating a thunderous mountain of debris. The order to evacuate the North Tower was issued, and his camera captured the dramatic escape of people running from the building moments before the North Tower came down, with Jules barely escaping with his life.

CBS and the filmmakers have been honored with multiple awards for "9/11," including a George Foster Peabody Award, Emmy Award for Outstanding Non-Fiction Special, Radio-Television News Directors Association Edward R. Murrow Award and a Writers Guild of America (WGA) Award. The "9/11" presentation, which originally aired six months after the tragedy, again on the one-year anniversary and then on the five-year anniversary, has been watched by more than 60 million people in the U.S. alone, and broadcast in more than 103 countries.

The program has also been lauded by critics nationwide. In its first broadcast on CBS in 2002, The New York Times called it an "extraordinary piece of film" that "has such immediacy that it brings back how unimaginable the events of that day once seemed. An important, firsthand piece of history, the program is also amazing to watch." The New York Daily News called it "an astonishing, riveting, remarkable piece of filmmaking," and The Los Angeles Times said it "sets a new standard for network television." The Denver Post said it is "an eye-opening slice of history," while the Boston Globe wrote that it is "a jarring documentary account of the swath of destruction and the fevered efforts of the firefighters." The Bergen Record called it "an extraordinary eyewitness view of that terrible day," while the Philadelphia Inquirer praised it as "an emotionally searing examination of grace under pressure, miraculous physical survival amid hellish danger, and the ensuing quest for survival of the psyche."

As with the original presentation, the special will include information on how viewers can contribute to the Uniformed Firefighters Association Scholarship Fund to benefit all firefighters' families.

Due to the sensitive content and graphic language that appears in parts of the program, the broadcast will include both audio and visual warnings to viewers, as well as in De Niro's introduction, alerting viewers to the content of the program.

Gedeon and Jules Naudet moved to New York City from Paris in 1989 and graduated from New York University Film School. In 2007, they directed and produced their second primetime special on CBS, "In God's Name," which explored the complex questions of our time through the intimate thoughts and beliefs of the world's 12 most influential spiritual leaders, including Pope Benedict XVI, the Chief Rabbi of Israel and the Dalai Lama. The Naudets are currently directing and producing their next documentary series, the definitive story of the role of the White House Chief of Staff, which gives an intimate look into the decision making in the Oval Office, from the Johnson administration to Obama's. Filmmaker James Hanlon - also a decorated New York City Firefighter - retired from the department in 2007 and has spent the last few years working in Los Angeles in film and television and is a graduate of the UCLA graduate program.

CBS News' Susan Zirinsky remains executive producer of the CBS broadcast, along with Gedeon and Jules Naudet and James Hanlon, and Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter (who originally helped bring the project to CBS) and David Friend. Anthony Batson is senior broadcast producer, Mead Stone is producer/editor and Susan Mallie is the producer.

CBS Face The Nation Beats ABC in Households and Viewers for July 24th

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:53:47 +0000

CBS News' Face The Nation beat ABC, with a 1.9/05 with 2.56m viewers and 0.6/03 in adults 25-54, according to Nielsen live plus same day ratings for Sunday, July 24.

This was the program's best deliveries in both households and viewers since June 12, 2011.

Television year-to-date, Face The Nation is up +2% in viewers (2.74m from 2.68m) and even in both households (1.9/05) and adults 25-54 (0.7/03) compared to last year.

On the broadcast, Bob Schieffer interviewed White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley, Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.).

Face The Nation is broadcast Sundays (10:30-11:00 AM, ET; check local listings) on the CBS Television Network. Mary Hager is the Executive Producer.

CBS and Netflix Announce International Licensing Agreement for Canadian and Latin American Subscribers

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:54:13 +0000

CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) and Netflix, Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX) today announced a two-year, non-exclusive international licensing agreement that will enable certain television shows from across CBS Corporation to be streamed instantly to Netflix subscribers in Canada and Latin America.

The agreement follows a separate domestic deal announced between the two companies in February. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Beginning in September, and for only $7.99 a month, Netflix members in Canada will be able to enjoy both the current and complete back seasons for CW hit "90210," as well as past seasons of critically lauded fan favorites from SHOWTIME such as "Californication," "Dexter," and "The United States of Tara." Canadian members will also have access to a broad range of CBS library programming, including "Numb3rs," "Sleeper Cell," and "Twin Peaks."

Netflix announced in early July that it would be launching in 43 countries across Mexico, South America and the Caribbean later this year. Under this new deal with CBS, previous seasons of series, including "90210," "Medium," "Nurse Jackie," "Californication" and "Dexter," will be available for Latin American members to watch instantly, as will a broad range of library titles, including the original "Star Trek," "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Charmed," and "Twin Peaks."

"We are pleased to be partners with Netflix as they rollout their superb service to new markets," said Armando Nunez, President, CBS Studios International. "This new arrangement — which does not compete with U.S. ratings or SHOWTIME's domestic subscriber base — underscores the popularity of CBS content around the world, and illustrates yet another meaningful way for us to realize incremental value from our vast library of content."

"We are delighted to be expanding our successful relationship with CBS to our newer markets in Canada and Latin America," said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer of Netflix. "We aim to provide the widest possible range of great TV shows so our members can always find something compelling to watch wherever and whenever they want."

CBS and Amazon Announce Digital Video Licensing Agreement

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:21:46 +0000

CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) and Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced a non-exclusive licensing agreement that will enable Amazon customers to stream television shows from CBS's vast library. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Amazon Prime customers will be able to instantly watch thousands of episodes from the CBS library at no additional cost to their membership. With the deal, Amazon will add 2,000 episodes to grow the total number of Prime instant videos to more than 8,000 movies and television shows, and offer full seasons for 18 popular television series, including "The Tudors," "Numb3rs," "Medium," the complete "Star Trek" franchise, "Frasier" and "Cheers." Starting this summer, dozens of CBS shows will also become available to Amazon Instant Video customers.

"Our new deal with CBS makes Amazon Prime even better for customers," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com CEO. "We're excited to add thousands of popular CBS programs to our already great selection, all of which stream at no additional cost to Amazon Prime members."

"Amazon has created one of the most popular consumer marketplaces in the world, and we are very pleased to make these titles available to their Instant Video and Prime customers," said Leslie Moonves, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation. "This new agreement represents another meaningful way for us to realize incremental value for CBS's content."

Amazon Instant Video is a streaming video service that offers customers more than 90,000 movies and television shows available to purchase or rent, and with this CBS content included, will offer more than 6,000 movies and television shows included at no additional cost with an Amazon Prime membership. Customers can instantly watch movies and television shows from Amazon on a Mac, PC or directly on television with any of the 300 compatible devices.

CBS News Recieves 34 Emmy Award Nominations

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:36:39 +0000

CBS News was recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) with 34 News and Documentary Emmy Award nominations for segments broadcast in 2010.

60 MINUTES garnered 23 of the Network's 34 Emmy nominations and led CBS News to earn more nominations than any other Network. In addition, CBS SUNDAY MORNING received seven nominations, while the CBS EVENING NEWS was honored with four.

The 31st Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards will be presented Monday, Sept. 26, at a ceremony at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, located in the Time Warner Center in New York. More information about the nominated broadcasts follows:

60 MINUTES

• "Haiti" - Outstanding Coverage of a Breaking News Story in a News Magazine

• "The Blowout" - Outstanding Coverage of a Breaking News Story in a News Magazine

•"A Relentless Enemy" - Outstanding Continuing Coverage of a News Story in a News Magazine

•"The Lost Children of Haiti" - Outstanding Continuing Coverage of a News Story in a News Magazine

•"Derek" - Outstanding Feature Story in a News Magazine

•"Football Island" - Outstanding Feature Story in a News Magazine

•"Stand Down" - Outstanding Feature Story in a News Magazine

•"21^st Century Snake Oil" - Outstanding Investigative Journalism in a News Magazine

•"Blackwater 61" - Outstanding Investigative Journalism in a News Magazine

•"Brazil" - Outstanding Business and Economic Reporting in a News Magazine

•"Davos" - Outstanding Business and Economic Reporting in a News Magazine

•"Facebook" - Outstanding Interview

•"Medal of Honor" - Outstanding Interview

•"21^st Century Snake Oil" - Best Report in a News Magazine

•"Endless Memory" - Best Report in a News Magazine

•"The All American Canal" - Best Report in a News Magazine

•"The Blowout" - Best Report in a News Magazine

•"The Lost Children of Haiti" - Best Report in a News Magazine

•"Anger in the Land" - Outstanding Writing

•"The Secret Language of Elephants" - Outstanding Writing

•"A Relentless Enemy" - Outstanding Cinematography-News Coverage/Documentaries

•"Haiti" - Outstanding Editing - Quick Turnaround

•"The Blowout" - Outstanding Editing - Quick Turnaround

CBS NEWS SUNDAY MORNING

• "Gift of a Lifetime" - Outstanding Feature Story in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast

• "Gift of a Lifetime" - Outstanding Writing

• "Jan's Story" - Outstanding Feature Story in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast

• "Where's Molly?" - Outstanding Feature Story in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast

• "The Money Issue" - Outstanding Business and Economic Reporting in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast

• "The New Normal" - Outstanding Business and Economic Reporting in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast

• "Paving the Way" - Outstanding Business and Economic Reporting in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast

CBS EVENING NEWS

• "Afghan Bomb Squad" - Outstanding Continuing Coverage of a News Story in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast

• "Ethiopian Adoption Scams" - Outstanding Investigative Journalism in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast

• "Photocopiers Hidden Dangers" - Outstanding Investigative Journalism in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast

• "Follow the Money" - Outstanding Business and Economic Reporting in a Regularly Scheduled Newscast

CBS Face The Nation Gains Viewers Year on Year for June 26th

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 12:34:22 +0000

CBS News' Face The Nation was up +29% in households (1.8/05 from 1.4/04), +39% in viewers (2.52m from 1.81m), and +50% in adults 25-54 (0.6/03 from 0.4/02) compared to the same week last year, according to Nielsen live plus same day ratings for Sunday, June 26.

Face The Nation closed the gap this week on NBC, finishing second by a margin of only 157,000 viewers, as compared to a difference of 1.01 million viewers during the same week last year. Face The Nation also beat ABC in households, viewers and adults 25-54.

During the second quarter of 2011, Face The Nation was up +7% in viewers (2.60m from 2.44m). Television year-to-date, Face The Nation is up +3% in viewers (2.78m from 2.69m) and even in both households (1.9/05) and adults 25-54 (0.7/03) compared to last year.

On the broadcast, Bob Schieffer interviewed Republican Presidential candidate and Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann. Face The Nation is broadcast Sundays (10:30-11:00 AM, ET; check local listings) on the CBS Television Network. Mary Hager is the Executive Producer.

CBS News Names Norah O'Donnell as Chief White House Correspondent

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:44:40 +0000

Emmy award-winning reporter Norah O'Donnell has been named CBS News' Chief White House Correspondent, it was announced by CBS News Chairman and 60 MINUTES Executive Producer Jeff Fager and David Rhodes, President, CBS News.

O'Donnell will also become the principal substitute anchor for FACE THE NATION, the growing Sunday morning public affairs broadcast anchored by CBS News' Chief Washington Correspondent Bob Schieffer, and will report for all CBS News broadcasts, including occasionally for 60 MINUTES.

"It's very exciting for all of us at CBS News to have Norah on our team," said Fager. "She's an accomplished reporter with extensive experience and she will be terrific as our Chief White House Correspondent."

"Norah's experience on Washington's top beats-at the White House, on Capitol Hill, and at the Pentagon-will make her a great addition to our growing Washington bureau," said Rhodes. "At the White House, on the campaign trail with the President, at the Conventions and into Election Night, we will be even more competitive in our reporting with Norah on board."

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity," said O'Donnell. "I'm thrilled to cover the White House for CBS News. It is an honor and a privilege to join the great journalists at this legendary network."

O'Donnell has been the Chief Washington Correspondent for MSNBC and a contributing correspondent for "TODAY" and "Weekend TODAY." She also appears regularly on "The Chris Matthews Show" and has co-anchored the 9:00 AM hour of "TODAY."

O'Donnell provided in-depth coverage of the 2008 presidential election, during which she anchored throughout the primaries and reported on the exit polls. She was one of the main anchors for MSNBC's primetime coverage of both the Democratic and Republican conventions, and moderated a panel of MSNBC's chief political analysts. She won an Emmy as part of NBC News' election night coverage.

O'Donnell joined NBC News in 1999. Prior to that, she was a staff reporter for the Capitol Hill newspaper, Roll Call, and worked as a contributor and analyst for MSNBC.

During her 12-year tenure at NBC, O'Donnell's assignments have taken her around the country and the globe. They include coverage of the 2004 presidential campaign of President George W. Bush, as well as the 2000 presidential campaigns of John McCain and George W. Bush. She provided analysis of the debates, the Republican and Democratic conventions, Election Night, as well as the 2000 Florida recount.

For her "Dateline NBC" story, "D.C. In Crisis," which aired on September 11, 2001, O'Donnell was honored with the prestigious Sigma Delta Chi Award for Breaking News Coverage. In the months following the attacks, she traveled extensively with then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, reporting on the war in Afghanistan and the war on terrorism.

A native of San Antonio, Texas, O'Donnell is a graduate of Georgetown University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. She also holds a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University. She is married to Geoff Tracy, a restaurateur in Washington, D.C, where they live with their three children.

CBS News and National Journal Form Political Reporting Alliance

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:37:15 +0000

CBS News and National Journal have formed a new partnership for multi-platform political coverage, it was announced by David Rhodes, President, CBS News, and Ron Fournier, editor-in-chief of National Journal.

The partnership establishes a joint team of political reporters to follow presidential candidates throughout the 2012 election season.

The new team will report for CBS News, cbsnews.com, and nationaljournal.com, providing coverage from the field with online dispatches, video and social media updates. Reports will appear on both organizations' Web sites.

"This is a powerful partnership which will produce the strongest coverage of politics in the field," said Rhodes. "With National Journal, we will leverage the work of top CBS News correspondents and provide the most insightful and competitive reporting available."

"We are thrilled to be working with CBS News, a journalistic organization known for its high standards," said Fournier. "Together, we will do reporting that challenges the conventional wisdom, drives the conversation and breaks news on a regular basis."

The joint effort combines CBS News' legendary tradition of journalistic excellence and groundbreaking political reporting with National Journal's reputation for depth and analysis. Political reporters will be named shortly and will begin filing reports and broadcasting from the field in the next few weeks.

CBS News Launch Online Live Show 'What's Trending' with Shira Lazar

Sun, 22 May 2011 10:38:21 +0000

CBSNews.com has announced the launch of "What's Trending", a weekly live interactive show hosted by television and Web personality Shira Lazar.

As host and Executive Producer, she will take a close look at the online trends, stories and people who are driving the week's most popular online conversations that are shifting our culture. Sponsored by AT&T, the live online show will be available every Tuesday (10 AM, PT/1 PM, ET) at www.cbsnews.com/whatstrending.

Every week, Lazar will cover the Internet to find the news, world events and topics that are capturing people's attention, using some of the most innovative social media tools available. Recently named as one of Fast Company's "2011 Most Influential Women in Technology," she will bring her experience and expertise of using social media to dig deeper into the stories that people are sharing with their friends and families.

For her first show, Lazar interviewed rapper Talib Kweli where he talked about his online conversation last week with Fox over fellow rapper Common's appearance at the White House, the Cali Bone shooting, and the future of music online. Lazar also welcomed actress and "Dancing with the Stars" contestant Chelsea Kane and political commentator Cenk Uygur from "The Young Turks." NPR's senior strategist Andy Carvin and political strategist Joe Trippi also joined video chat to lend their expertise.

"More and more people now rely on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and others to discover, share and consume their news," said Lazar. "It's an important change that is happening today and one that empowers and connects people around the stories they want to hear more about. I'm very excited to be a part of a ground-breaking news show that embraces the way we live online."

As an Emmy and Webby-nominated television and Web personality, Lazar has been the host of some of the biggest live-streaming events on the Web, including the Oscars and the Grammy Awards, among many others. She joined the CBSNews.com team in September 2009 as a video blogger and Digital Correspondent for the blog, "On the Scene," and is also the host and creator of the "Partners Project" on YouTube.

"Social media has made a profound impact on the world today; it's connecting people and giving them an opportunity to share their thoughts on the major events happening around the world. This show was created with this shift in mind," said Mark Larkin, Vice President of CBSNews.com. "Shira has a passion for social media. She's a part of the community and has an innate understanding of how people are connecting with each other to share news and contribute to the conversation. She is the perfect person to bring this innovative new show to CBSNews.com."

In addition to the live weekly show, the "What's Trending" blog (www.cbsnews.com/whatstrending) serves as the central hub, and is constantly updated with video, stories and news trending online. It also includes ongoing updates from contributors who are experts in their field, including tech guru Chris Pirillo, Social Good expert Beth Kanter, Gov 2.0 expert Alan Silberberg, Social Media scientist Dan Zarrella, What The Trend's Liz Pullen, O'Reilly Radar's Alexander Howard, Boxoffice.com, Altimeter Group's Brian Solis, Cheezburger Network, Hollywood.com's Paul Dergarabedian, as well as commentary from The Webby Awards daily newsletter, Netted. The show will also feature partnerships with companies such as Sulia, who allow the curation of Twitter stories from experts around the world, as well as Buzzfeed, What The Trend, and others.

Viewers can submit questions and comments, and interact live with the show via Gigya's socially connected chat widget, Twitter (@whatstrending), and Facebook (facebook.com/whatstrending).

CBS News to Air Republican Leaders' Town Hall Debate June 14th

Mon, 16 May 2011 21:40:14 +0000

On Monday, June 13, CBS News will conduct a special town hall on the economy with Republican leaders hosted by CBS News' Face The Nation Anchor Bob Schieffer and The Early Show Co-Anchor Erica Hill.

Senators Tom Coburn (Okla.) and Jeff Sessions (Ala.), Representatives Paul Ryan (Wis.) and Allen West (Fla.), and Governor Nikki Haley (S.C.) will address economic issues during the town hall before a live audience, at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.

CBS News Business and Economics Correspondent Rebecca Jarvis will facilitate questions from a nationwide online audience via a special partnership with YouTube.

The town hall will be broadcast on Tuesday, June 14 during the 8:00-9:00 AM, ET, hour of The Early Show. Excerpts from Monday's event will be broadcast later that evening on the CBS EVENING NEWS WITH SCOTT PELLEY (6:30 PM-7:00 PM, ET).

The CBS News polling unit will be assisting CBS News journalists to assemble and solicit questions from the audience at the Newseum; however, anyone with access to YouTube will be able to pose questions and interact live during the event, as well.

Face The Nation Beats ABC This Week in Households and Viewers for May 8th

Sun, 15 May 2011 10:06:12 +0000

CBS News' Face The Nation beat ABC in households, viewers and adults 25-54, posting a 2.0/06 with 2.92m viewers and 0.7/04 in adults 25-54, according to Nielsen live plus same day ratings for May 8.

The broadcast is up +11% in households (from 1.8/06), +15% in viewers (from 2.55m) and +17% in adults 25-54 (from 0.6/03) year-to-year. Season to date, Face The Nation is up +3% in viewers (2.84m from 2.77m) and even in both households (2.0/05) and adults 25-54 (0.7/03) compared to last season.

On the broadcast, Bob Schieffer interviewed Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

Face The Nation is broadcast Sundays (10:30-11:00 AM, ET; check local listings) on the CBS Television Network. Mary Hager is the Executive Producer.

CBS Evening News Launches 'Getting America Back to Work' Series

Mon, 09 May 2011 22:18:06 +0000

While the latest statistics indicate the more Americans are finding jobs, this country still faces significant unemployment, with a shrinking labor force and nearly six million people who have been without a job for 27 weeks or longer.

They account for 43% of the unemployed, the highest percentage since World War II. To address these challenges and report on solutions, the CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC (6:30 PM ET) will this week launch "Help Wanted: Getting America Back to Work," a four-part series that will begin airing on Tuesday, May 10. Led by Senior Business Correspondent Anthony Mason, this series of reports will cover:

Workers Reinventing Themselves: Anthony Mason sets the stakes for America through the tale of two unemployed men in one Illinois community. Both lost work in the construction business, but one man found a fresh start through a federally sponsored community college job-training program. However, Mason takes a hard look at job-training programs, which do not always necessarily lead to jobs, or well-paying ones

Corporations Filling the Breech: More private companies are moving to fill the breech between a political climate that is hostile toward government job creation and the need for state or federal assistance to train and employ people. The CEO of Dow Chemical shares his perspective on the importance of corporate America re-training to keep jobs in the U.S., rather than outsourcing manufacturing abroad.

The Millennial Job Model: While the job market is slowly improving for college grads, young people realize they cannot find their ideal job nor get ahead as quickly as previous generations. As older workers cling to their jobs and postpone retirement, younger workers feel stuck. We meet young "side-repreneurs" who are creating their own businesses on the side to supplement low-paying jobs.

Creating a Business Around a Workforce: While men took the biggest hit in the recession, women are recovering from it more slowly. In 2010, their unemployment rate averaged 14.6 percent, compared with 6.8 percent among married men and 6.3 percent among married mothers. Mason profiles an apparel company created to employ single mothers that is helping moms with their childcare...and turning profit.

"Help Wanted: Getting America Back to Work" will broadcast beginning Tuesday, May 10, and all coverage can be found online at http://www.cbsnews.com/.

CBS News to Host Town Hall Meeting on the Economy with President Obama

Fri, 06 May 2011 14:08:37 +0000

CBS News will conduct a special town hall meeting on the economy with President Barack Obama on Wednesday, May 11.

CBS News' Face the Nation anchor Bob Schieffer and The Early Show co-anchor Erica Hill will join the president before a live audience at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. CBS News Business and Economics Correspondent Rebecca Jarvis will facilitate questions from a nationwide online audience via a special partnership with YouTube.

The special, one-hour town hall meeting will be broadcast on Thursday, May 12 during the 8:00-9:00 AM, ET, hour of The Early Show.

CBS News is making preparations for a Town Hall next month with leading Republicans about the economy.

Excerpts from Wednesday's event will be broadcast later that evening on the CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC (6:30PM-7:00 PM, ET) and during a special edition of Face the Nation on Sunday, May 15.

The entire unedited event will be streamed on www.YouTube.com/cbsnews and on http://www.cbsnews.com/.

The CBS News polling unit is helping CBS News journalists assemble and solicit questions from a live audience; however, anyone with access to YouTube will be able to pose questions and interact with the content as well.

CBS News will also conduct a poll on the nation's economic situation that will be addressed during the event.

Scott Pelley Names Anchor and Managing Editor of CBS Evening News

Wed, 04 May 2011 12:11:38 +0000

Scott Pelley, one the most experienced reporters in broadcast journalism, has been named anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News, it was announced by CBS News Chairman and "60 Minutes" Executive Producer Jeff Fager and David Rhodes, the President of CBS News.

The appointment to the broadcast, to be re-named the CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley, is effective on June 6. Pelley will continue to report stories for "60 Minutes."

"Scott has it all. He has the experience, the credibility and he is among the very best reporters ever to work at CBS News," said Fager. "In more than two decades at CBS News, he has distinguished himself at every level, right up to his current role at '60 Minutes,' where his work has been incomparable. We like to think of CBS News as the 'reporter's network' and I can't think of anybody in this business better suited for the anchor chair than Scott."

"Scott is the ideal journalist to lead this broadcast. We're very proud to have him guiding this news organization's reporting each and every evening," said Rhodes. "He has a body of work few in the business can claim and will help us grow CBS News now and in the future."

"I am delighted to join the terrific team at the 'CBS Evening News,'" said Pelley. "It's a privilege to work alongside the most gifted and talented journalists in the industry."

Few reporters have made as wide and as deep a mark on a news organization as Pelley has at CBS News, where he's covered everything from breaking national news stories to politics to wars and served as the network's chief White House correspondent. Since he brought that experience to "60 Minutes" in 2004, half of all the major awards won by the broadcast have been for stories reported by Pelley.

Pelley's recent "60 Minutes" reports include news-making and insightful segments on late-breaking stories such as the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the mass murder in Tucson that seriously wounded Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords. His extraordinary list of interview subjects includes: President George Bush; two unprecedented interviews with Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke, during the recent economic upheaval known as the Great Recession. It was the first time in decades that a sitting Federal Reserve Chairman allowed an interview. Pelley also has interviewed Justice John Paul Stevens; Afghan President Hamid Karzai; Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad; Sharif El-Gamal, the man behind the "Ground Zero mosque;" and the astonishing story of Mike Williams, the chief electronics technician on the Deepwater Horizon who survived the explosion that caused the Gulf oil spill - a story that won an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia award.

The Great Recession has been one of the biggest stories in decades and no one has covered it as memorably or meaningfully as Pelley has, with a series of impactful "60 Minutes" stories. Last month, his story about homeless school children in Florida inspired an unprecedented outpouring of response that included a local church group's pledge of $5.6 million. Other stories also raised awareness and charitable responses. He profiled the residents of Wilmington, Ohio, who were left stranded when the town's largest employer, DHL, shut down its domestic operation. He reported on the "99ers," the unemployed who ran through 99 weeks of unemployment benefits and still found themselves jobless and desperate. In addition, he reported on "Stand Down," an annual encampment in San Diego to help homeless veterans, and did a Peabody-award-winning segment about Remote Area Medical, a volunteer medical organization that treats thousands of uninsured Americans.

Pelley's team's investigation into American "e-waste," tracing the secret shipment of discarded toxic technology such as video monitors to overseas wastelands, won six awards: an Emmy, the George Polk, the RTDNA Murrow award, Sigma Delta Chi, the Loeb award and an Investigative Reporters and Editors prize. He broke news with "Rendition," an Emmy-award-winning investigation into the CIA's practice of handing over terrorist suspects to foreign countries known to use torture. For a "60 Minutes II" investigation on child slavery in India, Pelley and his team won an Investigative Reporters and Editors award in 1999.

His riveting interview of a Marine Corps sergeant, who led a squad accused of killing 22 civilians, in Haditha, Iraq, won a 2007 George Foster Peabody Award. Another intense interview, the first in which former CIA Director George Tenet broke his silence about 9/11, won the Pelley team an Emmy.

On September 11th, Pelley was among the first reporters to arrive on the scene of the twin towers. His award-winning live reports from ground zero and the subsequent search and recovery operations exhibited his innate ability to provide a deeper understanding of news events.

Pelley's work during the Clinton White House was also remarkable. He broke more stories than anyone. In fact, he was first to report that Monica Lewinsky had become a cooperating witness in the investigation conducted by the Office of the Independent Counsel. He also reported on the impeachment of President Clinton and was first to report that President Clinton had been subpoenaed to testify before the grand jury. Additionally, while reporting from the White House, Pelley covered presidential tours of South America, Africa, China and Europe. He also conducted the first interview with President-elect George W. Bush after the controversial 2000 election.

Pelley has covered the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq more than any other journalist in recent history. He was first to report live from the war zone after the invasion of Iraq and was one of the only reporters who did not embed with the military. Instead, he and his team went alone with two SUVs and, using a satellite dish, reported some of the most powerful stories from that war, including the fight for Umm Qasr and the fall of Basra. Following the invasion, Pelley reported on the uncovering of mass graves in Iraq and the guerrilla war against U.S. forces there.

In 1990, he was assigned for a year to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, during the Persian Gulf crisis. He covered Baghdad and later broadcast live reports during Iraqi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia. He joined the troops of the XVIII Airborne Corps for combat coverage of the invasion of Iraq and the liberation of Kuwait.

Before becoming chief White House correspondent, Pelley was assigned to the 1992 presidential campaigns of Bill Clinton and Ross Perot. Prior to that, he served as a CBS News correspondent based in Dallas, where he covered many of the biggest domestic stories, including the Oklahoma City bombing and the trial of Timothy McVeigh. He also reported on the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, the Los Angeles Northridge earthquake, the Branch Davidian raid near Waco, Texas, Hurricanes Andrew and Hugo and NASA's shuttle missions. Pelley joined CBS News as a reporter based in New York in 1989.

All told, Pelley and his team's distinguished body of work have received an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Silver Baton, two George Foster Peabody awards, 14 national Emmy awards, five Edward R. Murrow awards, a George Polk and a Loeb award, as well as honors from the Society of Professional Journalists, Investigative Reporters and Editors and the Writers Guild of America. Twenty-one of those awards have been earned for his work over the past five years on "60 Minutes."

Pelley serves on the board of directors of the International Rescue Committee, the refugee relief agency headquartered in New York City. He is Co-Chair of the IRC's Board of Overseers. He was inducted into the Texas Tech University alumni Hall of Fame and serves on the board of the university's School of Mass Communications.

Prior to his time at CBS News, Pelley was a producer/reporter for WFAA-TV Dallas/Fort Worth (1982-89), KXAS-TV Dallas/Fort Worth (1978-81) and KSEL-TV Lubbock, Texas (1975-78). He began his journalism career at the age of 15 as a copyboy at the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal newspaper.

Scott Pelley was born in San Antonio, Texas, and attended journalism school at Texas Tech University. He and his wife, Jane Boone Pelley, have a son and a daughter.

Katie Couric Expected to Announce Her CBS Departure After Royal Wedding

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 09:00:40 +0000

One of the stories which the media world has pretty much known about for a long time will be confirmed during the first week of May.

Katie Couric, anchor of the CBS Evening News for the last five years will leave the network early in June when her contract expires. CBS is expected to announce her successor during the first week of May, after Couric returns from London where she will be fronting CBS' coverage of the Royal Wedding.

Brian Stelter of the New York Times wrote;

"Scott Pelley, a correspondent on “60 Minutes,” is expected to succeed Ms. Couric. A transition has been fodder for the media for most of a month, but Ms. Couric insisted as recently as April 13 that she had not decided about staying or going.

"Ms. Couric had scheduled a publicity tour for her new book, “The Best Advice I Ever Got,” for that week, and in almost every interview, she batted away questions about her future. “I’m just in the middle of figuring it out,” she told Matt Lauer on her former show, “Today.” “I’m not in a position to discuss it at this point,” she told Barbara Walters on “The View.”

"Privately, some at CBS complained about the public uncertainty surrounding the “CBS Evening News.” But the exit plan will begin to clear the air."

CBS to Air Golf Double-header with Heritage and Legends of Golf Coverage

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 10:47:39 +0000

Defending FedExCup and Heritage champion Jim Furyk, five-time Heritage winner Davis Love III, Luke Donald, Ian Poulter, Ernie Els, Stewart Cink, Stuart Appleby and young stars in their 20s including Jason Day, Rickie Fowler, Camilo Villegas, Bill Haas, Sean O'Hair and last week's Valero Texas Open winner Brendan Steele tee it up at the The Heritage which marks the half-way point of the PGA Tour regular season.

CBS Sports broadcasts the third and final rounds of the 2011 Heritage on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24 (3:00-6:00 PM, ET; both days), live from one of the most picturesque and popular stops on the PGA Tour, Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, S.C.

Jim Nantz, five-time National Sportscaster of the Year and 2009 and 2008 Emmy Award winner for "Outstanding Sports Personality Play-by-Play," now in his 26th year covering golf at CBS, serves as anchor of CBS Sports' golf coverage. Sir Nick Faldo, winner of six majors and more than 40 Tournaments worldwide, including The Heritage, serves as lead analyst alongside Nantz in the 18th hole tower. Peter Kostis calls the action at the 17th hole. David Feherty will call the play from the 16th tower and serve as on-course reporter.

Lance Barrow is Coordinating Producer and Steve Milton is Director of CBS Sports' golf coverage. Harold Bryant is Vice President, Production, CBS Sports.

Furyk, the No. 13-ranked player in the world, is making his 13th career start at The Heritage this week with five Top-10 finishes, overall. He takes on a strong field at Harbour Town that includes Love III, competing for his 26th consecutive year here, FedExCup leader Mark Wilson, Day, Fowler, Haas, O'Hair, Villegas, Donald, Poulter, Els, Cink, Appleby, Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Francesco Molinari, Aaron Baddeley, Jonathan Byrd, Rory Sabbatini, Boo Weekley, Lucas Glover, Justin Leonard, Steve Elkington, Glen Day, Ricky Barnes, Mike Weir, Rocco Mediate, Trevor Immelman, Lucas Glover, Zach Johnson, Fredrik Jacobson, Chad Campbell, Vaughn Taylor, Kevin Na, Paul Goydos, Scott Verplank, Brandt Snedeker, Bo Van Pelt and John Daly.

CBS Sports' golf analyst Ian Baker-Finch, a rookie on the Champions Tour teams with Joe Ozaki and takes on defending champions Mark O'Meara and Nick Price at the PGA Tour's Champions Tour Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf as CBS Sports broadcasts third- and final-round coverage on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday April, 24 (1:00-3:00 PM, ET; both days), live from Savannah Harbor Golf Resort in Savannah, Ga.

Bill Macatee and Bobby Clampett call the action from the 18th hole tower. Matt Gogel provides analysis from the 17th hole tower and Billy Kratzert serves as on-course reporter. Jim Rikhoff produces and Bob Matina directs.

O'Meara and Price take on an all-star Legends Division which is an official 54-hole, two man team, better-ball competition with no cut. Last year, O'Meara and Price beat Ohio State teammates Joey Sindelar and John Cook on the second playoff hole to win the event They return in a field that includes all-star teams of Ozaki and Baker-Finch, Fred Couples and Jay Haas; Tom Lehman and Corey Pavin; Scott Hoch and Kenny Perry; Jeff Sluman and Craig Stadler; Andy North and Tom Watson; Tom Kite and Gil Morgan, Mark Calcavecchia and Ken Green; Larry Mize and Hal Sutton; Bobby Wadkins and Lanny Wadkins and John Jacobs and Fuzzy Zoeller.

The Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf is the second oldest event in senior golf with the oldest being the 72-year-old Senior PGA Championship.

CBS.com Remains Dominant in Network Website Users

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 09:09:55 +0000

In a streak dating back to 2008, CBS.com continues to hold the top spot among all broadcast network Web sites in terms of unique video viewers (15.3M) for the 28th consecutive month, according to recent data released by comScore VideoMetrix for March 2011.

comScore VideoMetrix, which measures viewers and consumption of video content, also reported that CBS.com grew 37% year-over-year in video streams (339M) and 34% in minutes of video content consumed (1.1B).

In a separate report, comScore MediaMetrix, which measures all traffic to Web sites, ranked CBS Entertainment as the leader among all broadcast network online properties in terms of unique users (16.6M) for March 2011 (see full list below).

"Among broadcast network sites, CBS.com has mirrored the success of the CBS Television Network, which is once again America's most watched network, boasting 13 of the top 20 shows," said Jim Lanzone, President, CBS Interactive. "We look forward to continuing our leadership position and extending the viewership experience for CBS fans."

Broadcast Network Properties as Ranked by comScore MediaMetrix US, March 2011

(#'s are unique users of all Web content in thousands)

CBS Entertainment - 16,564

ABC Television - 10,865

Fox Broadcasting - 9,632

NBC Network - 8,071

Broadcast Network Properties as Ranked by comScore VideoMetrix, March 2011

(#'s are unique viewers of video content in thousands)

CBS.com - 15,281

ABC Television - 8,943

Fox Broadcasting - 7,970

NBC Network - 5,982

CBS Evening News Heads Back to Louisiana Coast One Year after Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:25:15 +0000

One year after the Deepwater Horizon rig explosion that sent oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico, the CBS Evening News (6:30 PM, ET) will commemorate the anniversary with a series of reports.

CBS News Correspondent Mark Strassmann, who spent weeks reporting this story last year, returns to the region to lead coverage for the broadcast. Additional contributors include Correspondents Debbye Turner Bell and Don Teague.

The CBS Evening News will look at how the communities impacted by the spill are faring one year later, as well as drilling safety, tourism, the claims process, impact on animals, and where the oil is now. Strassmann will also catch up with families he interviewed last year during the Gulf crisis.

Reports related to the anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon explosion are scheduled to begin airing Monday, April 18, on the CBS Evening News.