How far CBS has fallen from the days of Edward R. Murrow is clearly shown by the network’s decision to cut and run from Dan Rather, the reporter who carried their banner for so many decades. CBS Corp. Chief Executive Leslie Moonves is right to apologize for the bitter and low-class way he handled Rather’s departure. Moonves approach to CBS News and Rather marks a new low in an industry not known for grace, compassion or integrity.
When Richard Nixon tried to bully Rather (asking the reporter “Are you running for something?”) Rather refused to be intimidated. For that he became the lightening rod for those who claim the media has a left wing bias. That’s right: Bill O’Reilly, Faux News, CNN – all those media giants – have a left wing bias.
Shame on Moonves for capitulating to a long-term campaign launched by the far right to destroy Rather. While it may be true there’s no palace for Rather at CBS these days, that is only because under Moonves’ watch there is no longer a place a CBS for integrity and courage. It is not Rather who became small, but the news giant which once set the standard for television reporting.
As for me, I’ll be watching Keith Olbermann’s Countdown on MSNBC – it is arguably the best newscast on the air these days. And one of which Ed Murrow would be proud.
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