Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 18, 1993 TAG: 9305180131
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: FRAZIER MOORE ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: NEW YORK LENGTH: Short
CBS News President Eric Ober said the network was "redefining the role of the anchor," and that Chung, a CBS correspondent and Sunday anchor, will take up her new duties on June 1.
"This is not a ratings-based decision, not based on the competition," insisted Rather, whose broadcast is No. 2 in the Nielsen lists.
Rather said he and Ober had been discussing the change for several months, but that the idea was not proposed to Chung until Friday morning.
"I'm looking for a way to do it better and this is what that's about," Rather said.
"We took by far the best reporter and long ago chained him to the anchor desk," Ober said. The new arrangement "is the best way for this great reporter to get around."
Chung and Rather kissed and embraced before they were introduced to reporters.
"I have a lot of challenges ahead," Chung said. "I'm thrilled."
Rather, 61, became anchor and managing editor of the "CBS Evening News" on March 9, 1981. Chung, 46, joined CBS News in 1971, worked as an anchor at the network-owned station in Los Angeles from 1976-83 and spent nearly six years at NBC before rejoining CBS.
Rather will continue his duties as anchor of CBS' "48 Hours" news magazine show. Chung will give up her Sunday anchor duties, but keep her other show. Formerly titled "Face to Face with Connie Chung," it is set for a re-launch sometime this summer.
by CNB