Seeking star power
Eye web exex mull Rather for '60' spinoff
No formal discussions about the idea have taken place, and Rather has not yet even been approached about joining the planned broadcast. In addition, with "60" executive producer Don Hewitt seeming to change his mind daily about another edition of his newsmag, there's a chance the whole project could simply fizzle.
Still, Eye web insiders say Rather's name has come up several times in high-level executive conversations about the so-called "60 Jr." And those pushing Rather for the clone say the idea makes sense for several reasons:
- The "Evening News" anchor already has experience filing reports for "60 Minutes,'' having served as a correspondent on the show from 1975-81.
- Rather's presence might help silence critics both inside and outside CBS News who believe the second "60" will be staffed with journalistic lightweights.
- "Evening News'' executive producer Jeff Fager is a leading candidate to produce "60 Jr." Fager and Rather work extremely well together, and both men might welcome the chance to continue their professional relationship.
Yet a possible obstacle standing between Rather and "60 Jr." is Rather's already considerable workload.
In addition to "Evening News," Rather anchors "48 Hours," filing frequent reports for the web's workhorse newsmag. He also contributes regular commentaries to CBS Radio.
But despite Rather's full plate, at least one industry insider thinks the newsman could be talked into joining a second "60 Minutes" if the network felt his presence was needed.
"He's a loyal enough soldier that he might do it," the source said. "And if CBS could get Rather to contribute to the show, it would be a big feather in (news division prexy Andrew Heyward's) cap.''
The vacationing Rather and Hewitt could not be reached for comment.
