NY Times: CBS Plans to Change Evening News Format

New York Times: CBS Plans to Change Evening News Format

The CBS chairman, Leslie Moonves, said on Tuesday he is planning to introduce significant, potentially revolutionary changes to the format of "The CBS Evening News" when Dan Rather departs as anchor in March.

Mr. Moonves said the moves were likely to include a shift toward multiple anchors and away from what he called the "voice of God, single anchor" format that has been used throughout most of the history of network television news.

...Mr. Moonves said he was looking to install something more "cutting edge" this time. As part of the overhaul he indicated he would even consider a role for Jon Stewart of Comedy Central's "Daily Show." Mr. Stewart has emerged as both a late-night comedy star and a biting commentator on the news.

Jon: Don't do it, man. I know you work for Viacom and all, but... don't do it. You've got the funniest show on television right now. Instruct your assistant to tell Mr. Moonves that you're in a long, long meeting.