Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 18, 1993 TAG: 9309230279
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: GAIL SHISTER KNIGHT-RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
DATELINE: NEW YORK LENGTH: Medium
The legendary Hewitt, 70, creator and executive producer of CBS's ``60 Minutes,'' is a consultant and part owner of TV Macy's, a cable home-shopping network targeted to launch in fall '94. Hewitt recently signed an eight-year CBS contract and will continue as e.p. of ``60 Minutes.''
According to a CBS News spokesman, division guidelines prohibit employees from involvement in outside activities that could create a conflict of interest with their journalistic independence. CBS News boss Eric Ober says he made a ``one-time only'' exception for Hewitt.
``All rules are made to be broken,'' says Ober. ``This was an unprecedented and non-precedential decision. Does it look like we have a double standard? Yes, we worry about that. But we think the exception, given the individual and the circumstance, is defensible.''
Some high-ranking CBS insiders disagree, saying Hewitt's involvement in the commercial venture reflects badly on the news division's credibility. Particularly at a time when all network news is under heightened scrutiny, thanks to ``Dateline NBC.''
Ober is ``totally confident'' that Hewitt's deal will not prevent ``60 Minutes'' from chasing a story about Macy's, home shopping, or anything else. If the broadcast did a piece on Macy's, Hewitt would recuse himself. He's done that at least once before, Ober says.
The decision to permit Hewitt's outside venture was made ``at the highest corporate level,'' Ober says, and included CBS Broadcast Group president Howard Stringer and CBS chief Larry Tisch, who happens to be a member of Macy's board.
Both Stringer and Ober acknowledge they are not thrilled with Hewitt's situation. But CBS insiders have long known it's tough to say no to Hewitt, whose top-rated broadcast is the network's most sacred cash cow.
``My preference would be that it not happen,'' says Ober. ``At the same time, given the person and given the fact that this was very important to him creatively, I understand why it had to happen. Don is a high-quality professional who has done an unbelievable service to CBS over many years.
``The situation may not be ideal, but making an exception for someone as exceptional and long-term as Don, and not blocking him from pursuing a creative idea, was the right decision. It certainly puts us under a microscope, but I can deal with any conflict of interest if it occurs.''
``60 Minutes'' correspondent Lesley Stahl sees no problem with Hewitt's extracurricular activity.
``I'm very selfish about this. I want Don to be happy. He's the heart here. I've heard him talk about this for years and years. As long as it doesn't take him away from here, I don't see it as a conflict.''
Despite Hewitt's move, don't expect to see CBS jump into the home-shopping business.
\ She made a sexy gag tape to help lure David Letterman to CBS. Does prankster Connie Chung have anything up her, uh, sleeve for Jerry Seinfeld?
Some quick background: Chung's new hourlong CBS newsmagazine, ``Eye to Eye,'' debuted Thursday night at 9. NBC's powerful ``Seinfeld'' followed at 9:30. Chung is a fan of the sitcom, calling it ``my favorite non-CBS program.''
So, any plans for ol' Jer? ``I'll send him an 18-year-old babe to thoroughly distract him.'' As for cantankerous Dave, he hasn't said a peep to Chung since she became co-anchor of ``CBS Evening News'' June 1. (How rude, Dave.) Chung sent him a box of stogies when he announced he was moving to CBS.
Short stuff:
Diana Ross will produce three TV movies for ABC, starring in two of them. The first flick is slated to air next season. It will be co-produced by Ross' Anaid Film Productions Inc. and ABC Productions. ... Home-improvement guru Bob Vila will join NBC's ``Today'' as a regular contributor. His new segment, ``Today's American Home,'' will run on alternate Wednesdays, beginning July 7.
by CNB