News on News - CBS

CBS News' Betty Nguyen to Leave Network

kevin.coy@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — 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

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — 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

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — 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

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — 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

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — 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

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — 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

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — 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

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — 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

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — 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

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — 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

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — 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

kevin.coy@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — 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

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — 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

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — 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

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — 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

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — 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

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — 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

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — 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

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — 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

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — 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.