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Home , Alexis Glick, Andrew Heyward, Betsy Stark, Charles Osgood, Dan Rather, David Bohrman

TW MAIN 04-14-08 A 21 TVWEEK 4/10/2008 9:13 PM Page 1

A CHAT WITH CHARLES OSGOOD TELEVISIONWEEK April 14, 2008 21 THE CBS NEWS VETERAN, MUSICIAN AND POET IS HONORED BY NAB ... PAGE 33 RTNDA@NAB SPECIAL SECTION

NewsproTHE STATE OF TV NEWS

TODAY’S NEWS RTNDA President Barbara Cochran said journalistic TVTV NEWS’NEWS’ ethics will be a main topic this year. RTNDA AIMS TO CROSS ALL PLATFORMS MOSTMOST Conference Places Priority on Digital 1010 By Daisy Whitney When the Radio-Television News Directors Association kicks off its annual conference in Las Vegas this ◗ How to go week, the themes will be similar to POWERFULPOWERFUL digital, Page 26 Familiar Names and a Bit of Shock Value those at the Nation- ◗ The economy al Association of Crop Up on Our Annual List of Top Dogs takes center Broadcasters con- vention next door. By Michele Greppi stage, Page 28 Top of mind for It is time for the annual drumroll, tah-dah and to-do as TelevisionWeek ◗ RTNDA@NAB both the journal- unveils its list of the 10 Most Powerful People in TV News. schedule high- ists who attend With the roster comes the annual asterisk signifying that while it is RTNDA and the painstakingly assembled, the selection and ranking process is both earnest lights, Page 27 industry execu- and admittedly unscientific. tives who frequent NAB is the digi- To extensive research, add backstage drama and gossip that had us tinker- tal transition. ing and rethinking until past deadline last week, thanks to a barrage of head- The annual RTNDA conference is lines about CBS News and and a dribble-down-the-chin-juicy co-located with NAB in the Las Vegas Times Magazine profile of MSNBC’s tin-eared Chris Matthews, who convention center. The RTNDA con- has everyone talking about him—and not in a good way. You’ll see that we ference is slated to run April 13-16 have taken advantage of the political Zeitgeist to add a little more shock value and is expected to draw about 1,300 than usual at the end. While most of the news players listed here are very attendees, on par with last year. familiar, it’s some of their key players who are new to our spotlight. Continued on Page 30 Continued on Page 22

NEWSPRO ONLINE: Newspro, TelevisionWeek’s signature section highlighting the state of broadcast , is also available online. Check TVWeek.com’s Newspro section for expanded versions of stories, and use our interactive features to leave feedback and thoughts on these stories along with your story tips and suggestions for future sections. TW MAIN 04-14-08 A 22 TVWEEK 4/10/2008 9:21 PM Page 1

22 April 14, 2008 TELEVISIONWEEK NEWSPRO 1. Title: NBC News president Tenure: 2½ years Rank last year: 2 Why he was chosen: The NBC News ship, which last year seemed to have sprung a few worrisome leaks, is once again sailing upright and steady as she used to go. “NBC Nightly News With ” is edging out ABC’s “World News With Charles Gibson” with more regularity. The “Today” show is once again making it look easy to be No. 1, no longer letting ABC’s “” see it sweat as it did during close weeks last year when “Today” would find ways to eliminate some of its more vulnerable segments from the David Westin Nielsen ratings’ scrutiny. During the first quarter of this year, “Today” led by 1.2 million viewers. MSNBC.com Channel is making money, bility. While “Good Morning Ameri- is the leading television news money, money by racking up rat- ca” and “World News” may not have organization Web site. Perhaps ing$, rating$, rating$ day in, day the sense of momentum they had most tantalizing is the success NBC out, year after year. The network last year, they are vigorous and News has had in this long, dramatic created in his image is consistent- competitive. The revived “Night- and lucrative political season by ly among the 10 most-watched line,” the international aspirations making MSNBC “The Place for Poli- channels in the cable world (sec- in which Mr. Westin has become an tics.” The cable channel may finally Steve Capus ond-place CNN is in the low 20s adroit player/booker and the have found its voice—brash and and third-place MSNBC seldom growth of “This Week With George brass ballsy at day’s end—and a for- even makes the Top 30). However, Stephanopoulos” into a consistent mula that makes it a valuable plat- the names are spelled correctly. It’s FNC has been oddly low-profile silver medalist in the Sunday news- form for (and not just a way of not the only recent strategy that and sotto voce in the most por- maker show competition lends ABC amortizing expenses of) NBC News. reads like a page out of a 2. ROGER tentous political year in memory News a comforting air of tradition Invaluable asset: His fellow playbook—even if the political despite the presence of even as it digs for the pot of gold at MSNBC alumnus, Phil Griffin, the points of view are poles apart. in Fox News’ pundit pack. the end of the digital rainbow that NBC News senior VP in charge of Nitpicking: Chatty Kathie Lee Invaluable asset: His fierce teases all news organizations. both “Today” and MSNBC. Mr. Gifford for “Today”? Does this por- AILES determination to succeed makes Invaluable asset: Dave Davis, the Griffin has been given a lot of tend a spinoff for the fourth hour? Titles: Chairman and CEO of folks reluctant to write off the Fox executive VP overseeing ABC News (tight) rope with MSNBC, whose Shouldn’t it? Sunday’s New York Fox News, Network, Business Network, which did not programs, has more than lived up to prime-time lineup tied CNN in the Times Magazine profile of Chris Fox Television Station Group come out of the box six months his reputation as a smart, decisive key news demo of 25- to 54-year- Matthews reveals a lot of sharp Tenure: Launched Fox News ago showing any of the razzle- executive with much-needed peo- olds in March. Even when some- elbows, but makes clear that the Channel in 1996 dazzle Fox News Channel dis- ple skills. Add in his visibility and one at MSNBC has to apologize, man who once was a fresh face Rank last year: 1. played from the get-go. The wob- accessibility and you’ve got a big the incident gets a lot of ink and now is his own worst enemy. Why he was chosen: Fox News bly financial sector and economy morale boost. haven’t helped the channel, Nitpicking: Just once, could ABC which was conceived as “busi- hire a male correspondent who ness-friendly.” Still, Mr. Ailes and doesn’t look like a clone of Mr. his team of senior VPs Kevin Westin? Magee and have not been able to take advantage of the Dow Jones and Co. brands . Chairman Rupert 4. TIM Murdoch purchased for $6.5 bil- lion last year. Nitpicking: The prime-time lineup, while as popular as ever— RUSSERT “The O’Reilly Factor” and “Hanni- Titles: Managing editor/mod- ty & Colmes” still top the cable erator of “” and sen- news ratings—seems less than ior VP/Washington bureau chief potent politically this season. for NBC News Except for veteran , Tenure: Since 1991 there is no next-generation break- Continued on Page 24 though talent in the Fox stable. 3. DAVID WESTIN Title: ABC News president Tenure: 11 years Rank last year: 4 Why he was chosen: He’s a sur- vivor—the longest-tenured current TV news organization leader by far. He has finally established a line of succession. There’s an atmosphere Tim Russert of competitive confidence and sta- Project8 3/27/08 1:52 PM Page 1 TW MAIN 04-14-08 A 24 TVWEEK 4/10/2008 9:25 PM Page 1

24 April 14, 2008 TELEVISIONWEEK NEWSPRO

Nitpicking: Mr. Russert’s loyalty to people used to making familiar POWERFUL points in a familiar way can some- Continued from Page 22 times make his roundtables seem Rank last year: 5 fusty, especially in a presidential Why he was chosen: If it’s an campaign year like this when a election year, it must be a particu- woman and an African American larly good one for Mr. Russert, for man have changed the political whom “term limits” is an alien landscape and the race and gen- concept. When his current 10-year der conversations forever. contract expires in 2012, he will have been the moderator of “Meet the Press” for 21 years. He’s been the “Meet” man for more than a 5. JIM quarter of the 60 years that make the show the longest-running pro- gram in TV history and a veritable Sean McManus institution in the political capitol WALTON/ of the free world. His “Meet the 6. KEITH Press” audience, often more than the most outrageous—and often tenure at CBS Sports made him 4 million viewers strong before the JON KLEIN non-doctrinaire—things with an familiar and reassuring to the CBS show is even made available OLBERMANN almost straight face. affiliates whose support he has online, enjoys a 40% ratings lead Titles: CNN Worldwide presi- Title: Host of “Countdown With Nitpicking: His bully-boy per- needed as he made nitty-gritty over the closest competition, dent and CNN/U.S. president, Keith Olbermann” sona doesn’t seem to frighten so moves they might otherwise ABC’s “This Week.” It could be respectively Tenure: Five years many people anymore. Indeed, it resist—giving back significant argued that he’s more powerful Tenure: 5 years and 3½ years, Rank last year: 6 can be argued his heckling has time during “The Early Show” and than many higher-ranked news respectively Why he was chosen: Two helped MSNBC’s Keith Olber- moving ad spots to create a seam- executives. Rank last year: 8 decades into his career, he’s mann. “The Factor” often seems less transition from their local Invaluable asset: The political- Why they were chosen: become an overnight success as more interested in reading body newscasts to the “CBS Evening TV equivalent of “Perry Mason” CNN/U.S. has revitalized itself by talk TV’s first break-out liberal language than in the race for the News.” While the continuing rat- moments enabled by the dogged focusing on politics. Prime-time voice. With about 1 million view- . ings challenges facing the third- research for which Mr. Russert and ratings, revenue, CNN.com traffic ers per night, he is MSNBC’s place “CBS Evening News With his executive producer Betsy Fis- and morale are up. There will be Goliath and so he can gleefully Katie Couric” made unscheduled cher are justly famous. the big test of avoiding precipitous play David to Bill O’Reilly’s news last week, Mr. McManus is ratings drops in between the elec- Goliath. 8. SEAN very good at focusing on what has tion and the next big story, but for Invaluable asset: After blithely been accomplished and being now, CNN can bask in the glow of burning oh, so many career sanguine about what hasn’t. He having topped Fox News in the all- bridges, Mr. Olbermann seems gambled on the volatile Shelley important news demographic of inclined not to screw up this MCMANUS Ross as executive producer of 25- to 54-year-old viewers in Feb- opportunity, which is arguably his Titles: President of CBS News third-place “The Early Show,” ruary for the first time in six years. best ever, especially since it comes and CBS Sports then made a quick change six CNN’s invaluable assets: The with fun assignments and expo- Tenure: 2½ years and 12 years, months into her rocky tenure. His addiction to politics of Senior VP sure on NBC Sports’ Sunday Night respectively decision to assign “Evening News” and Washington Bureau Chief Football bench. Rank last year: 7 executive producer Rick Kaplan to David Bohrman and political Nitpicking: He remains an Why he was chosen: He’s temporary double duty on “Early” director Sam Feist is the wind acquired taste. smart. He’s solid. He’s wise to the was rewarded with a quick ratings beneath CNN’s politically correct- fun and frightful ways of the lift. He’s got two of the sturdiest ed ratings wings these days. rollercoaster of an industry he properties in TV news: “60 Min- Nitpicking: Book-ending was born into as the son of ABC utes” and “48 Hours.” And he has Jim Walton with the youthful and 7. BILL Sports legend Jim McKay. His long convinced another institution, vital Campbell Brown and , to postpone his only makes retirement from “Face the his increasing weaknesses more Nation.” glaring. Yes, it’s CNN’s most- O’REILLY Invaluable asset: His long watched program, but “Larry Title: Host of “The O’Reilly relationship with CBS President King Live” also means there is Factor” and CEO Leslie Moonves. Mr. no compatible audience flow, Tenure: 12 years McManus has been a trusted only prime-time whiplash for Rank last year: none member of the team. And he viewers. ’ angry and Why he was chosen: He’s still knows all that entails, even the autocratic persona also seems the ratings king of the cable news stuff that’s not always pretty or increasingly out of synch with world, easily bringing more than 2 fun. what Mr. Klein says is working million viewers into the Fox tent at Nitpicking: CBS News is the for CNN—passionate middle-of- the beginning of each weeknight way last network to get a debate the-roadness—but no one and giving Fox a distinct advan- (still unconfirmed at press time). seems able or willing to temper tage in reach over its competitors. After all the Democratic candi- Mr. Dobbs. “” If Mr. O’Reilly writes a book, it dates’ much-watched back-and- Jon Klein also represents an audience effectively debuts as a best seller. Bill O’Reilly forths, the question must be challenge. Invaluable asset: He can say asked: “What’s the diff?” Missing a link in your chain of health expert sources? Child Health Expert Link is an online directory and other child health professionals and how to of over 450 child health experts based at the nation’s contact them through hospital public relations. children’s hospitals. A product of the National To start your search for a child health Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related spokesperson, please visit Institutions, it’s designed especially for professional www.childrenshospitals.net/expertlink. news media. Expert Link is searchable by state, an expert’s media experience and foreign language skills, and specialty areas such as asthma, obesity Child and cancer. With a few clicks, you can access Health information on pediatric specialists, researchers ExpertLink A MEDIA RESOURCE TW MAIN 04-14-08 A 25 TVWEEK 4/10/2008 9:30 PM Page 1

TELEVISIONWEEK April 14, 2008 25

Amy Poehler

press, which put on kid gloves for campaign history and his consis- Comedy Central spawn, Mr. Col- Sen. Obama. Mr. Stewart was tent ability to do unto politics and bert, recently won a Peabody muted by the writers strike and politicians and the real journalists Award for his “Victor/Victoria”- then his stint as host of a kiss- who cover them—Google “Tucker like turn as a satirist playing a fake N.S. Bienstock and-make-up Oscars ceremony Carlson” and “Chris Matthews” cable news icon who defines over was made possible by the settling and “Jon Stewart” and reminisce the top. the real Ms. Clinton even cited the of the writers strike. But there are amongst yourselves—is why this Invaluable assets: They get it. faux Sen. Clinton’s gripe that she months to go in one of the most fake journalist is a veteran on this Nitpicking: We don’t see 9. N.S. was being manhandled by the exciting contests in presidential list of real journalists. And his enough of them. ■ BIENSTOCK Title: Agency Tenure: More than three decades Rank last year: 9 Why it was chosen: in cable news would look very dif- ferent if it weren’t for clients repre- sented by the agency headed by husband-and-wife team Richard Leibner and Carole Cooper, which has different clients holding down an hour from 5 p.m. through mid- night on weeknight all-news cable network lineups: Bill O’Reilly at Fox; Campbell Brown and Ander- son Cooper at CNN; and Chris Matthews, David Gregory and at MSNBC. MSNBC’s Norah O’Donnell was added to the Bienstock stable when agent Rick Ramage joined the diverse agency late last year. Invaluable asset: A long, star- studded history as well as a focus on the road ahead, whether it’s in hard news, soft news, documen- tary or reality programming. Nitpicking: Bienstock and its clients are confronting the same realities as everyone else in an industry that is breeding smaller stars who will inevitably get smaller paychecks. 10. AMY POEHLER, STEPHEN COLBERT AND JON STEWART Titles: Comedians who have affected the country’s political dia- logue Last year’s rank: Mr. Stewart 10; Ms. Poehler and Mr. Colbert, none Why they were chosen: “Sat- urday Night Live’s” Amy Poehler touched a national nerve with her portrayal of New York Sen. Hillary Clinton. During a debate with her opponent Sen. , TW MAIN 04-14-08 A 26 TVWEEK 4/10/2008 8:31 PM Page 1

26 April 14, 2008 TELEVISIONWEEK NEWSPRO NEW GOALS FOR A HIGH-TECH

REGIONAL NEWS Local crime stories are part of expanded online cover- NEWS MARKET age for KLAS Las Vegas. More Stations Seek LEADING CHANGE IN to Adapt to a Digital A DIGITAL NEWSROOM World With 24/7 Monday, April 14 10:30-11:45 a.m. Information Needs Moderator: Steve Safran, sen- By Daisy Whitney ior vice president/media 2.0, When newsroom consultant Audience Research & Develop- Steve Safran visits a television sta- ment, Boston. tion, one of the first questions he Panelists: Caroline Bleakley, asks news directors and general news online manager, KLAS-TV managers is: If you were to design and LasVegasNow.com, Las your business today, would it look Vegas; Adam Symson, vice presi- the way it does now? dent/interactive, E.W. Scripps The question is usually fol- Television Station Group, Cincin- lowed by a pregnant pause, nati; Marian Pittman, news direc- because most broadcasters would tor, WSB-TV, . THIS JUST IN KLAS-TV need to do a lot of things differ- Producer: Radio-Television now routinely breaks ently if they were building their News Directors Foundation’s news on the Web site stations from the ground up in News Leadership Project and rather than hold it for today’s always-on, digital media Chip Mahaney. the evening telecast. world. Sponsor: RTNDF’s News Lead- ership Project and McCormick That’s why Mr. Safran will tack- said. The site also recently added Tribune Foundation. le how local broadcasters can hyper-targeted news and weather retrofit their news operations for information for each neighbor- the digital world during a session hood in Las Vegas. he’ll lead at the Radio-Television phere so the local bloggers are The Web-centric strategy News Directors Association con- sharing your RSS feed and you are seems to be working. Unique visi- ference this week in Las Vegas. The creating a vibrant community of tors to LasVegasnow.com hit session, titled “Leading Change in discussion,” Mr. Safran said. 777,000 in March, a 220% increase a Digital Newsroom,” is slated for He recommends stations also from last year. Ms. Bleakley said use the Web as a home for both about two-thirds of Web site visi- “We are beyond breaking stories and original con- tors also watch the newscasts, tent. “Stations have to stop think- which means viewers are loyal to that age of saving ing of themselves as TV stations the stations and also that the sta- news for 4, 5, 6 with Web sites. They have to see tion reaches viewers online that it themselves as digital newsrooms. wouldn’t otherwise have reached. p.m. We will News goes in, news goes out, and Use of the station’s mobile when you gather something it news product has risen nearly five TECH EVOLUTION absolutely break immediately goes out.” times over the last year. “We are no NECN.com is designed news on the Web.” Many stations are starting to do longer just TV,” Ms. Bleakley said. to foster interactivity this. “We are beyond “We are digital, multi- and is looking to be a Caroline Bleakley, news online manager, KLAS-TV that age of saving news media, online all the stand-alone site that Monday and is one of the center- for 4, 5, 6 p.m. We will time. We are way your site 24 hours a day.” users can “differentiate piece panels at the convention. absolutely break news beyond expecting peo- The NECN overhaul includes from a TV station.” “Would you build a giant TV on the Web,” said Caro- ple to get their news at adding and allowing more operation with a small Web opera- line Bleakley, news set times.” comments, more feedback on sto- cific times for our news distribu- tion?” he said. “No, you would online manager with New England Cable ries and more viewer-submitted tion. For the most part, as an build something that looked Landmark-owned News in Boston has content. The main video player on industry, that we organize our entirely different.” KLAS-TV in Las Vegas, worked with Mr. Safran the home page is designed to fos- entire day around a morning That means smart broadcasters the market’s CBS affili- to overhaul the Web ter interactivity because it meeting that determines what the need to devote more resources to ate. She’ll be on Mr. content for the regional includes buttons to embed, link, news is 9 hours later seems archa- TED MCENROE the Web. That doesn’t mean just Safran’s panel at cable news network. email and share videos on the ic in an era when consumers have NECN.com flipping stories for a station’s Web RTNDA. “Before we were like a video player. access to every news source— site. It means building out a social KLAS’ site, lot of TV stations—our Web site As stations become platform- local, national or global—at all Web site that’s tied into the com- www.lasvegasnow.com, runs Web reflected what we put on air. We agnostic, they should expect times.” munity more, he said. Stations extras and extended interviews on are working to make NECN.com a changes in workflow, said Adam Stations also need to use should look at how to partner with the site. To get that additional con- very stand-alone product you can Symson, VP of interactive at E.W. research to understand not just the community, such as offering tent involves retraining reporters differentiate from a TV station,” Scripps Co. television stations what viewers want on-air, but information-based widgets that to call in with Web updates, for a said Ted McEnroe, director of digi- group, who will speak on the what they want online, what kinds individuals, Web sites and blogs start. Sometimes, she’ll just take tal media at NECN. “Viewers are panel. of news and information they are can place on their Web pages. “You down the pertinent facts and write on the Web 24 hours a day, and the “We’ve got to re-engineer every seeking and how they want it need to organize the local blogos- a short item based on the call, she expectation is you are updating workflow that has us tied to spe- delivered, Mr. Symson said. ■ TW MAIN 04-14-08 A 27 TVWEEK 4/10/2008 8:36 PM Page 1

TELEVISIONWEEK April 14, 2008 27 AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS FOR RTNDA@NAB MONDAY, APRIL 14 Moderator: Steve Safran, Exhibitor Showcase Session senior vice president/media Classroom: Covering Sports Registration 2.0, Audience Research & When You’re Shut Out of 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Development, Boston. the Arena Panelists: Caroline Bleakley, 10:30-11:45 a.m. Las Vegas Hilton Business Meeting Breakfast news online manager, KLAS-TV Panelists: Janice Gin, asso- 7:45-8:45 a.m. and lasvegasnow.com; Las ciate news director, KTVU-TV, Panelists: Bill Burke, direc- TV Luncheon RTNDA Chairman Bill Roswell Vegas;Steve Safran, senior vice Oakland, Calif.; Kathleen A. tor, AP online video operations, 12:30-2:15 p.m. will bring members up to date president/media 2.0, Audience Kirby, partner, Wiley Rein LLP, deputy director, ENPS, Associ- Longtime “Price Is Right” on RTNDA activities, and RTNDA Research & Development, Washington; Tim Moushey, ated Press, Washington; Jimmy host will be induct- board candidates will speak. Boston; Adam Symson, vice news operations manager, Goodmon, vice president & ed into the NAB Broadcasting president/interactive, E.W. WBNS-TV, Columbus, ; Fred general manager, CBCBC New Hall of Fame. All Industry Scripps Television Station Group, Nation, executive vice presi- Media Group, Raleigh, N.C.; Opening Ceremony Cincinnati; Marian Pittman, dent of communications, Indi- Sandy Malcom, executive pro- Ice Cream Social 9-10:15 a.m. news director, WSB-TV, Atlanta. anapolis Motor Speedway, Indi- ducer, CNN.com Video, 2:30-3:45 p.m. Charles Osgood will be hon- Producer: RTNDF’s News anapolis; Greg Shaheen, vice CNN.com; Atlanta. Join friends and colleagues ored with the NAB Distin- Leadership Project and Chip president, men’s basketball, Producer: Lane Beauchamp, for ice cream in the guished Service Award. This Mahaney. National Collegiate Athletic managing editor, CBS Television RTNDA@NAB Exhibit Hall. event includes NAB President & Sponsor: RTNDF’s News Association, Indianapolis. Stations Digital Media Group, CEO David Rehr’s State of the Leadership Project and Producer: Kevin Finch, news New York. Tough Talks for Top Industry Address. McCormick Tribune Foundation. director, WISH-TV, Indianapolis. Managers: Live! Sponsor: Accenture. Turn Everyday Events Into 4-5:15 p.m. Does Your News Audience Mobile, Digital & Memorable Stories Facilitator: Jill Geisler, lead- Exhibit Hours Research Data Reflect Your Syndicated Content 10:30-11:45 a.m. ership and management group 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Newscasts? 10:30-11:45 a.m. Facilitators: Les Rose, photog- leader at the Poynter Institute, 10:30-11:45 a.m. Moderator: Jaime Spencer, rapher for CBS News, Los Ange- St. Petersburg, Fla. Leading Change in Producer: Bob Long, vice director, Magid Media Labs, les; Al Tompkins, broadcast/online Panelists: Brian Bracco, vice a Digital Newsroom president and news director, Frank N. Magid Associates, group leader at The Poynter president of news, Hearst- 10:30-11:45 a.m. KNBC-TV, . Marion, Iowa. Institute, St. Petersburg, Fla. Continued on Page 29

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28 April 14, 2008 TELEVISIONWEEK NEWSPRO

EXPENSE REPORT John Harwood, CNBC chief BROADCASTERS Washington correspon- dent, says the economy is the most critical issue facing candidates in the FOLLOW THE 2008 presidential race. MONEY TRAIL Coverage Refocuses as Financial Issues Move to Forefront, Ahead of Reporting on War By Debra Kaufman Special to TelevisionWeek Job losses are on the increase. Mortgage defaults are a growing problem. And another quarter of negative growth was just reported. “You have unprecedented situa- tions unfolding,” said CNBC Chief Washington Correspondent John Harwood. “The Feds backstopping JPMorgan’s acquisition of Bear Stearns changed the debate on what to do for homeowners in trouble.” Mr. Harwood noted that, not too long ago, the was seen as the most critical issue for candi- dates for the 2008 presidential race. “Now the economy is that thing,” he said. “We’re focused on the mortgage meltdown and the credit crunch and what effect that’ll have a time when increasing numbers of Issue #1 launched with a week on making the economy relatable ALL BUSINESS Fox on the 2008 election—which pre- Americans, whether or not they’re of programming from noon to 1 and relevant to our viewers.” Business Network was sumably is pretty large, but no one individual stock investors, have p.m. ET and special reports Making economic news under- launched by Fox News knows how.” skin in the game. People are in so throughout the day, anchored by standable and relevant to the aver- on Oct. 15, using on- Pundits may debate whether much distress and anxiety over Ali Velshi, CNN senior business age viewer is a strategy also camera journalists with the economy is in a recession, but financial institutions and instru- correspondent and host of “Your described by other network corre- a background in busi- financial correspondents are unan- ments they don’t understand well $$$$$,” and Gerri Willis, spondents. At Fox Business News, ness, economics or law. imous that their reporting is enjoy- that [journalists] who can explain CNN/CNNMoney.com personal Ms. Glick talked about her net- ing a bull year. “There’s a real the financial industry and where finance editor and anchor of “Open work’s mission statement as “mar- [Republican Sen. John] McCain try appetite for business news now,” it’s headed are at a huge premium.” House.” rying Wall Street and Main Street.” to preserve his flexibility as a free- said Alexis Glick, anchor and VP of Mr. Klein reported that Issue #1 market conservative who doesn’t business news at Fox Business Net- Top Issue A Human Face want to appear out of touch with work. “We’re going through a The popularity of financial Ms. Stark talked about ABC the scale of the economic problem. volatile, turbulent time in the mar- reporting is prompting broadcast- “Not since the News’ “signature series” of In the case of [Democrats Sen. ket and it’s an important time to ers to create more ways of reaching Depression do you “kitchen-table economy [stories], Hillary] Clinton and [Sen. Barack] disseminate the news. People want viewers. Fox News just launched to take an extraordinary moment Obama, they’re either announcing to know the implications of what’s the Fox Business Network on Oct. have a Federal in the U.S. economy and put a new policies or adapting ones going on.” 15, with journalists such as Ms. human face on it.” “We look at they’ve already announced in “Not since the Depression do Glick who are correspondents in Reserve improvis- what’s happening with housing, response to voters’ anxieties.” you have a Federal Reserve impro- finance or worked as traders, econ- ing public policy inflation, losing a job, facing fore- At CNN/U.S., Mr. Klein reported vising policy on the fly, acting in omists or attorneys. “This is an closure, trying to run a family busi- that Issue #1 election coverage will unprecedented ways to manage an incredible opportunity for us as the on the fly.” ness,” she said. “I’ve been sitting cover the candidates’ proposed unprecedented crisis,” said ABC newer network to leverage the Fox Betsy Stark, ABC financial correspondent with families around their kitchen solutions for the economy. Else- News financial correspondent News brand,” she said. tables and telling the story from a where on the network, political sto- Betsy Stark. “Voters have made it CNN also recently launched very personalized point of view ries will acknowledge that the main clear that this is an important issue Issue #1, an initiative that will is the result of brainstorming about what a downturn, what a driver of interest in the election is to them. It’s a no-brainer that we leverage the assets of CNN World- between the business news cover- housing crisis feels like and show- the economy. should be paying attention.” wide to bring in-depth coverage of age group for TV and the CNN- ing you how to cope with it.” Although Ms. Stark noted that Financial journalists who can what Americans say is their No.1 Money.com managers. “We’re try- The 2008 elections also up the ABC News political correspondents combine market savvy with good issue: the economy. “We saw an ing to make clear the connection ante for financial correspondents. are more likely to take the helm storytelling are in demand. “At the obvious opportunity to apply the between often-bewildering finan- “What you have is, in real time, when it comes to election coverage, broadest level, business and finan- same template we use for political cial news and your pocketbook, candidates adjusting their policy she’ll still provide “a reality check.” cial reporting is a huge growth area coverage to coverage of money and your kids’ college fund and your stances and message to fit the cir- “Certainly I think we’ve got an in U.S. journalism,” Mr. Harwood how the economy is affecting our retirement fund,” said Mr. Klein. cumstances that are changing in activist government now in terms said. “The economy is getting more viewers,” said CNN/U.S. President “We do it in a very plain-spoken the middle of their campaign,” said of policy, so it means there’s more complex and is rapidly changing at Jonathan Klein. and accessible way. We are focusing Mr. Harwood. “You’ve seen intersection of politics and the TW MAIN 04-14-08 A 29 TVWEEK 4/10/2008 8:54 PM Page 1

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Moderator: Jan Schaffer, Panelists: Peter Dykstra, Panelists: Roberta Baskin, AGENDA executive director, J -Lab: the senior executive producer, CNN director, l-Team, WJLA-TV, Institute for Interactive Jour- U.S., science and technology, Washington; Kerry Sanders, Continued from Page 27 nalism, College Park, Md. CNN, Atlanta; John McLaughlin, correspondent, NBC News, Argyle Television, Inc., Kansas Panelists: Dan Beckman, cre- chief meteorologist, KCCI-TV, Miami; Gretchen Stanton, sen- City, Mo.; Marci Burdick, senior ative executive-collective jour- Des Moines, Iowa; Dr. Joel ior counselor, World Trade vice president broadcasting & nalism, Current TV, San Francis- Myers, founder and president, Organization, Geneva. cable, Schurz Communications, co;Rosemary Danon, CEO, AccuWeather, State College, Pa. Producers: RTNDF, Keith South Bend, Ind.; Scott Libin, news Citizen Correspondents, Visalia, Producer: Hudson Mack, , Porter, the Stanley Foundation. director, WCCO-TV, ; Calif.; Maximilian Duke, manager, news director, CHUM Television, Andrea Parquet-Taylor, news interactive media, WPBT-TV, Victoria, B.C. Get Hired! director, WXYZ-TV, Detroit. Miami; Mitch Gelman, senior vice 4-5:15 p.m. Producer: RTNDF. president and senior executive Global Goods, Local Impact: Moderator: Denise Dowling, Sponsor: McCormick Tribune producer, CNN.com, Atlanta. Understanding Today’s assistant professor, University Foundation. Producers: Bob Long, vice Retail Reality of Montana, Missoula, Mont. president and news director, 4-5:15 p.m. Panelists: Neal Bennett, Making User-Generated KNBC-TV, and Jan Schaffer. Moderator: Simon Marks, news director, WVIR-TV, Char- Content Part of Your Overall president and chief correspon- lottesville, Va.; Chris Carl, news Strategy, Online and On Air Win the Weather War dent, Feature Story News, director, WDEL, Wilmington, 4-5:15 p.m. 4-5:15 p.m. Washington, DC. Continued on Page 31 TRAFFIC ABC financial correspondent Betsy Stark is focused on the intersec- tion between politics and the economy.

economy,” she said. “We have to pay close attention to what’s hap- pening on the Washington axis, how the government is reacting whether it’s the rebate checks or the federal mortgage relief bill. It adds dimension to the story.” Web sites are another way that broadcasters can add depth to the financial information. Mr. Klein reported that Issue #1 drives viewers to CNNMoney.com, which has experienced a 40% uptick as a result. “It’s a seamless experience for the viewer,” said Mr. Klein. “You can learn more on-air and online.” Rich Sources Ms. Stark said it’s also her best opportunity to hear from view- ers. “After I did that first kitchen- table story, we got an overwhelm- ing response, and that became a rich source for other stories,” she said. “The Web site has multi- plied the ways that we can reach out around the country and talk to anybody with a computer.” Looking into the near future, financial correspondents see coverage of the continued Democratic primaries. “Every time there is a primary, we look at the individual state, its unem- ployment rate, how the munici- palities look and if they’re impacted by the credit market,” Nature has created the fuel that can power America into an said Ms. Glick, who noted the independent energy future. party conventions also will be a fruitful venue for stories. What about post-election? Natural Gas. “Unless you think the problems with the economy will be solved It’s abundant, with proven reserves that will last for generations. as of Nov. 5, I think Issue #1 will remain issue No. 1 on the minds of viewers for some time,” said It's clean. Natural gas is the cleanest fuel the earth produces. Mr. Klein. “And CNN will stay on top of it.” And it’s here. Over 98% of the natural gas we use comes from Mr. Harwood also looks beyond the immediacy of the North America. elections and sees the relevance of financial reporting for some Natural Gas. Naturally Clean. Naturally Abundant. time to come. “Globalization is the central fact of our times, and economic integration is how that’s being expressed. That cre- ates change in the U.S. and Representing America's Natural Gas Utilities everywhere in the world, and it’s and the 170 million Americans They Serve an incredibly important story,” he said. “There’s never been a www.aga.org better time to be a financial journalist.” ■ TW MAIN 04-14-08 A 30 TVWEEK 4/10/2008 7:41 PM Page 1

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STRAIGHT TALK The RTNDA conference will nalistic ethics in a digital world. include sessions on The conference will combine election coverage. RTNDA these two themes by asking how to RTNDA@NAB maintain journalistic standards What: Annual conference of the Continued from Page 21 and integrity in the fast-changing Radio-Television News Directors RTNDA usually attracts digital world. “We have the digital reporters, news directors, pro- Association, held in conjunction revolution going on, but if content ducers and students, said Barbara with the National Association of isn’t great, the technology doesn’t Cochran, president of the associ- Broadcasters’ annual show matter. You have to have a mar- ation. At this year’s event, the Where: Las Vegas Hilton riage of the two,” Ms. Cochran association will turn its focus to When: April 13-16 said. the digital revolution and what Details: rtnda.org Sessions will dig into entertain- that means for journalists cover- ment versus news value, objective ing news across multiple plat- reporting alongside opinion jour- with the business model,” she said. forms. The show also is celebrat- nalism and business models for Speakers will tackle topics ing the legacy of Edward R the future. “[We will look at] what such as breaking news, the presi- Murrow because 2008 is the 100th is going to succeed in business and dential election and the impact anniversary of his birth. The clos- how to protect good journalism of the Internet’s 24-hour, always- ing session, titled “What Would values and where we are going on news cycle on journalism. “If Murrow Do?,” will address jour- there is a big breaking story, a news director can be standing in the middle of the room saying, ‘Which platform do we focus on first?’” Ms. Cochran said. “That has increased the pressure and compressed the time you have Society of available to make good decisions. The ease with which all these things can be transmitted through digital media raises new questions about the editing Environmental process. Who is standing there to make sure that what we are send- JOURNALISTS ing out is valid and true and fleshed out?” In addition to philosophical Advancing the Quality, Accuracy and Visibility questions, attendees should glean of Environmental News Reporting since 1990 answers to practical questions about the digital transition, said Ed Esposito, VP of information media includes nearly 1,400 reporters, editors, producers, authors, at Rubber City Radio Group and SEJphotographers, students and educators working in print, broadcast the chairman-elect of RTNDA, who and online news media throughout the U.S. and 32 other countries. “We have the SEJ’s 2008 Annual Conference Oct. 15 - 19, hosted by Virginia Tech in Roanoke, Virginia digital revolution going on, but if SEJ’s Awards for Reporting on the Environment Winners announced Oct. 15. Deadline to enter: April 1, 2008 content isn’t great, the technology SEJ’s First Amendment Watchdog Project doesn’t matter.” to monitor, educate and act on freedom of information, open government and right-to-know issues Barbara Cochran, president, RTNDA helped plan the sessions. The con- TipSheet ference should help attendees Biweekly environmental news leads from SEJ and the Radio answer questions such as whether and Television News Directors Foundation they are ready to go digital and how to handle the technical aspects of reformulating news for EJToday multiple venues. In addition, look A daily digest of environmental news reporting for sessions on the budget and equipment a station needs for new SEJournal media, as well as whether a station Quarterly publication written by journalists for journalists needs a new set, music, graphics and other equipment for hi-def news, said Rick Osmanski, VP of Mentoring Program conventions with the RTNDA. Resources for Freelancers A number of sessions will and more... address how and when to repur- pose news for the Web, podcasts, First-year membership special: $20 mobile and other venues, and also how and when to create fresh content for those venues. “What are the secrets to make sure we efficiently move our content over For conference registration, membership multiple platforms in a way that information, publications and more, please visit provides a quality program?” Mr. Esposito said. “What we want people to take away are the tools they can use to help their news department do a better job with www.sej.org the resources they have without losing sight of quality journalism.” Society of Environmental Journalists To get there, news organiza- P.O. Box 2492 tions also need to invest in training for their staffers to make sure jour- Jenkintown, PA 19046 nalists know how to maintain their focus on core values in a digital (215) 884-8174 newsroom. “We still need to get [email protected] quotes right and respect truth and accuracy,” Mr. Esposito said. ■ TW MAIN 04-14-08 A 31 TVWEEK 4/10/2008 8:49 PM Page 1

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Argyle Television, New York. education, Charles Schwab & Coaching Young Talent senior vice president, AR&D, AGENDA Producer: Lane Beauchamp, Co./president, Charles Schwab 10:45-Noon Natick, Mass. managing editor, CBS Television Foundation, San Francisco. Panelists: Terry Anzur, talent Panelist: Jeff Parsons, direc- Continued from Page 29 Stations Digital Media Group, Producers: RTNDF and Patri- coach, Terry Anzur Coaching tor of content, Internet Broad- Del.; Mark Kraham, news direc- New York. cia A. Seaman, National Endow- Services, West Covina, Calif.; casting, St. Paul, Minn. tor, WHAG-TV, Hagerstown, Md.; ment for Financial Education. Jolene DeVito, coaching special- Producer: Lane Beauchamp, Jerry Post, executive news Get Down to Business: Sponsor: National Endow- ist, Talent Dynamics, Irving, managing editor, CBS Television director, KXLY-TV, Spokane, Dollars and Sense Reporting ment for Financial Education. ; Tony Martinez, perform- Stations Digital Media Group, Wash. Money Matters to Your ance & long-form production New York. Producers: Denise Dowling Audience. Exhibit Hours coach, the Coaching Company, and Mark Kraham. 9-10:30 a.m. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. . Radio Luncheon Moderator: , Producer: Denise Dowling, 12:15-1:45 p.m. Award anchor, Fox Business Network, Going Solo assistant professor, University Legendary disc jockey Larry Ceremony and Reception New York. 9-10:30 a.m. of Montana, Missoula, Mont. Lujack will be inducted into the 5:30-7 p.m. Panelists: Patti Dennis, vice Facilitators: Pete Liebengood, NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame, Radio-Television News Direc- president/news director, KUSA- president, OnQCo, Redwood Exhibitor Showcase Session media innovator Robert W. tors Association honors ABC TV, ; Lynn Jimenez, busi- City, Calif., and Paul Sulsky, Classroom: Tips, Tricks and Pittman will be the luncheon correspondent ness reporter, KGO-AM, San owner, Solar Software, 20 Widgets for Your Web site speaker and the 2008 NAB Crys- with the 2008 Paul White Award. Francisco; Carrie Schwab Pomer- Avid/Apple certified instructor 10:45-Noon tal Radio Award winners will be antz, chief strategist, consumer and editor, . Moderator: Steve Safran, announced. ■ TUESDAY, APRIL 15 Registration Hours 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Joint RTNDA/NAB Super Session and Breakfast: Election 2008: The Home Stretch 7:30-8:45 a.m. (Barron Room) Moderator: , chief national correspondent, CNN, Washington. Panelists: Sam Donaldson, correspondent, ABC News, Washington; John Harris, editor in chief, .com, Washing- ton; Peter Maer, White House correspondent, CBS News, Washington. Producers: RTNDA and National Association of Broad- casters.

Beating Burnout: How Newsroom Leaders Manage Employee Stress 9-10:30 a.m. Facilitator: Kevin Benz, news director, News 8 Austin, Texas. Producers: RTNDF’s News Leadership Project and Kevin Benz. Sponsor: McCormick Tribune Foundation.

The Digital Conversion Countdown: It’s Later Than You Think 9-10:30 a.m. Moderator: Dave Sirak, news operations manager, WFTV, Orlando, Fla. Panelists: Bob Hesskamp, Senior Vice President -CNN Broadcast Engineering & Sys- tems Technology, Atlanta; Chris Jadick, news director, WFTS-TV, Tampa, Fla.; Mack McLaughlin, CEO, FX Group, Ocoee, Fla.; Anita L. Wallgren, program director, TV Converter Box Coupon Pro- gram, National Telecommunica- tions & Information Administra- tion, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington. Producer: Dave Sirak.

Going Local … in a New Direction 9-10:30 a.m. Moderator: Dan Shelley, director, digital media, WCBS-TV and wcbstv.com, New York. Panelists: Cory Bergman, director of digital media, KInd.G5.com and NWCN.com, ; Jacques Natz, director of digital media content, Hearst- Project1 4/8/08 3:29 PM Page 1

Come meet Jane King at Booth R105 April 14-16 in Las Vegas TW MAIN 04-14-08 A 33 TVWEEK 4/10/2008 9:18 PM Page 1

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Q&A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTISTS Charles Osgood, left, interviews OSGOOD ADDS painter Andrew Wyeth. NAB AWARD TO HIS RESUME The Poet, Journalist, Author and NAB Winner Discusses a Long, Fulfilling Career In addition to his broadcast MAKING A career that began more than 50 years ago, Charles Osgood is a poet, a musician, the narrator of the hit animated feature “Horton Hears a Who!”—and now can SMOOTH add recipient of the NAB Distin- guished Service Award to his long list of accomplishments. As host of “The Osgood File,” airing four times daily on the TRANSITION CBS Radio Network, and anchor of CBS News’ “Sunday Morning” Osgood Jumped Ship Mr. Osgood joined CBS News since 1994, Mr. Osgood shows in 1971, and has served as a no signs of slowing down. Awak- Early From Finance reporter and anchor on its televi- NAB Award’s ening every sion programs including “The CBS weekday at to Broadcasting distinguished Morning News,” “The CBS Evening 2:30 a.m., he history, Page 35 By Hillary Atkin News With ” and “The finds the sto- Charles Osgood Special to TelevisionWeek CBS Sunday Night News.” ries he covers and the people he Along the way, he has won the meets to be a source of endless his start in broadcasting, his in 1954, so it’s been a long time, Not many people know this, admiration of the audience and his fascination. views on the news business and many years now, 54 years. But but Osgood is not Charles peers and racked up an impressive Known as CBS’ poet-in-resi- his favorite place to get away there was a draft, and I was 1A, Osgood’s last name. His given series of honors, including four dence, Mr. Osgood reveals some from it all with TelevisionWeek and I had taken a physical, and I name is Charles Osgood Wood III, and three George of his feelings in verse. In a poem correspondent Hillary Atkin. The expected I’d be called up pretty but he became known as Charles Foster . called “Powers That Be,” he opined about authority figures: following is an edited transcript much anytime. But I did apply for Osgood at the beginning of his “He has a great journalistic of their conversation. a job by answering an ad in broadcast career in the 1950s background, an air of authority, Broadcasting Magazine, and I because there was a Charles and people are very, very com- All our lives we have heard of the TelevisionWeek: Congratula- ended up working at WGMS, Woods who also worked at Wash- fortable with him,” said Sean powers that be. tions on the NAB Distinguished “Washington’s Good Music Sta- ington radio station WGMS. McManus, president of CBS The people in charge who control Service Award.You’re certainly no tion.” I only knew a little bit about Charles Osgood Wood had News and Sports. “There aren’t you and me. stranger to awards. How do you classical music. I had taken piano graduated from Fordham Univer- that many journalists like him, Who decide what will feel about getting this one? lessons as a kid, and I knew a little sity with a bachelor of science and when they do come along, happen…and when they decide, Charles Osgood:Well, I think bit about the names and all that, degree in economics, but it was you make sure you put them in a You and I have to just go along this is a very special one. I mean, so I was happy to get that job. It quickly clear to him that broad- place to be seen and heard by as for the ride. the list of people who’ve gotten it in was only about six months later casting, not finance, was his many people as possible.” the past years is very, very impres- that I was going out to dinner with future. In short order, he was But events seem to happen each sive, and—I recognize almost all a friend of mine, who was working named the general manager of Juggling day and each hour those names. The only name that I for the other classical music sta- WHCT-TV in Hartford, Conn., In 2005, Mr. Osgood received That aren’t controlled by the ones don’t recognize is my own. tion—there were two at that where he realized he would rather both the Paul White Award, pre- with the power. time—and his relief [announcer] be on the air than be the boss. sented by the Radio-Television The Prime Ministers, Presidents, TVWeek: You’ve obviously had turned out to be showing up in an After a stint at ABC Radio News, News Directors Association, for Emperors too a very illustrious career. But Army uniform. It was a very fancy in 1967 he joined WCBS Radio in lifetime contribution to electronic Find there’s only so much that when you were starting off in the uniform, blue with braids and New York as an anchor/reporter. journalism and the they’re able to do. business, what was the world of harps and epaulets and all that. It Forty-one years later, all of Excellence in Journalism Award broadcasting like and what were turned out that he was in the them at CBS, Mr. Osgood is still on from Arizona State University. This When it comes to things that in your aspirations? Army band. And I asked him what the radio with “The Osgood File” year he is the recipient of the fact do occur, Mr. Osgood: Well, my first aspi- instrument he played, and he said four times a day, five days a week, National Association of Broadcast- The powers that be…or the pow- ration was to get a job. … I had he played the mouth—he was the on nearly 300 stations across the ers’ Distinguished Service Award. ers that were… been very interested in radio but I announcer of the band. I said, country. And he is the highly “I couldn’t have predicted Do not really hold the whole never had majored in the subject. “There’s a job like that in the regarded anchor of CBS News’ how this was going to turn out,” world by the stem. I worked at the radio station at Army?” and he said, “Yes,” and I “Sunday Morning,” where he took said Mr. Osgood. “I realize that I They don’t manage events…the in . said, “When are you getting out?” over the reins from the equally had the privilege to be in this events manage them. [After graduating] I went looking He said, “Next month.” So I joined acclaimed in 1994, business of reporting and story- for a job in radio. … I took a job in the Army to get that job as who called Mr. Osgood “one of the telling at a wonderful time for it, Mr. Osgood discussed getting Washington. I got out of Fordham Continued on Page 34 last great broadcast writers.” Continued on Page 37 tw12p34.qxp 4/10/2008 9:19 PM Page 1

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Q&A Continued from Page 33 announcer for the Army band. I was in the Army for three years, 1955 to 1958. And I continued to work at WGMS part-time.

TVWeek: How would you describe the broadcasting world in the late ’50s? Mr. Osgood: Well, it was quite different. First of all, I was working SUNDAY BEST Charles Osgood live on the set just in radio, I didn’t do any televi- of “CBS News Sunday sion at that time, but as I men- Morning” in 2004, tioned I had worked at WGMS, the when the show cele- classical music station in Washing- brated its 25th ton. That was owned by RKO Gen- anniversary. eral, and I had become program director there. Shortly after I got out of the service, I got to know the brass at RKO General, and I found out that they were going to have a paid television station in Hartford, Conn. And I asked a lot of questions about it, I thought it was a fascinating idea, and they made me the general manager of the first big television station in the . That was in—let me see. 19 … 63. And so for the best part of the year I worked in television as the general manager of a pay television station. and what we have available in the stand what we’re talking about. I way of tape. So that’s the way it have two and a half minutes to tell TVWeek: It sounds like a great job. goes. And there are some broad- it. That’s not very long. Mr. Osgood: It was a great job, casts among themselves, specialty, The broadcast itself is four but I hadn’t thought I would be a that maybe use some music or I minutes and change. But there are program director anywhere either, write a little piece of poetry or commercials in there, and the for- and that’s what I did at WGMS. This something like that to put in there. mat takes a certain amount of station in Hartford, Conn., was But it’s not something that you can time just to say hello and goodbye. really one-of-a-kind. There was really think about very long in I think if I find a story fascinat- nothing else like it. I didn’t know advance, and in most cases not ing, I should be able to tell it so it how to run a pay television station, something you would think about will be fascinating to other people, but neither did anybody else. So we very much anyway except for too. If I find it kind of boring or just got an experimental license to do those stories that are just, you like yesterday, then I would prefer that and it was fascinating. But know, that everybody remembers. to find some element in it different among the things that I discovered ‘SUNDAY MORNING’ Senior than before. You know, the stock is that although the idea of being a producer Estelle Popkin, TVWeek: Some stories are con- market goes up, the stock market boss was great in principle, I didn’t Charles Osgood and exec tinuing and you cover them day in goes down, there’s calamities in actually like doing it. I didn’t like producer Rand Morrison in and day out for months or years at the news, but those are not neces- the CBS control room. the idea of having to supervise peo- a time. Are there any of those that sarily the things that you most ple and tell them what to do, and have been especially challenging or remember. I think people are end- hire and fire people. I liked being the course he was on. But he actu- same day, people would say, “What stand out? lessly fascinating, you know. We on the air much more. So after I got ally proposed that they hire me. stories you did today?” And I can Mr. Osgood: I find that a very like to hear about them. And so fired from that job, being a general He thought I would like working only remember the last one. You hard question to answer, because those are the elements. It helps if it manager, I found another job in for CBS. And that was 40 years ago. have to wipe what you did before you focus on it very intently while has a beginning and a middle and New York at ABC. out of your mind and go with a you’re doing it, but you have to keep an end—you have to have some Frank Maguire, a friend I had TVWeek: I bet it’s gone by in the clean slate into the next one. So your mind ready to accept whatever sense of where you are in the story. worked with at the radio station at blink of an eye, right? when people say, over the last 40 the next storytelling possibilities are. It’s not just a list of things, you Fordham, was putting together a Mr. Osgood: How did you know years, what are the [major] stories And it never lets you down, you know, the actual information. It’s show called “The Mayer Report” that? I mean, the older you get, the you covered, well, you know, they’re know. That’s the thing about the also a story. on the ABC Radio Network. I was faster the time goes by. But I can’t all very interesting, but each day is news, it’s a river—it’s continuous. one of four guys who were hired at believe it, but I wouldn’t give up any interesting, and you work with But you don’t want to find yourself TVWeek: What is that old saw— the same time. One of the other part of it. I am very happy that whatever has happened that day. saying exactly what you said last there are no boring stories, just bor- four was a disc jockey who had things worked out the way they did. week, or last month, or last year. And ing reporters. Is that taught in worked at WMCA in New York as a TVWeek: How do you manage I think we do tend to repeat our- journalism school? DJ, and he had brought along a TVWeek: What have been the to do four radio pieces a day Mon- selves a little bit, but I try to fight it— Mr. Osgood: Now here’s one fellow by the name of , most challenging stories that you day through Friday, and then I tell everybody I’m working with thing that I think. If the reporter who was a desk assistant and who have covered over these past few anchor “Sunday Morning”? that if they catch me doing that, wants to convey the impression had never been on the air, even at decades? Mr. Osgood: At 2:30 in the please let me know, so I won’t do it. that he is one smart guy who WMCA, which was a problem. Mr. Osgood: Because they hap- morning I get up and I go in there, knows it all already, or who is a lit- That’s where I first stepped in. pen every day, and you go and do and I don’t know when I’m headed TVWeek: What elements make tle cynical or he finds all of us Ted had aspirations beyond these stories every day—you know, in to work what the programs are up a good story? rather tiresome and doesn’t mind that, and so did I, except his career I do four radio shows five days a going to be. I have a producer Mr. Osgood: I think it’s the same letting you know, that’s going to be moved faster than mine did. He week. So that’s 20 shows a week. whose full-time job is to help me kind of thing that would make a tiresome and boring to listen to. was, as everybody now knows, And when I say show, I mean—it organize what I’m going to do. good story whether it was the news But none of us knows everything, extremely talented. In fact, he was used to be that we never called And also, to produce the broad- or not. You know, we do call them so those things that come as a sur- offered a job at WCBS. They were them weekly shows, they were cast. And when I start out, I don’t news stories, and I think our job is prise, it doesn’t mean that we’re about to go to an all-news format, broadcasts. And I did these 20 know. And sometimes, after I’ve storytelling. So I think that it’s good not good reporters. It means we’re and they had heard him on the air broadcasts by getting up really early finished the first broadcast, I still if it has an element of drama, open to be told something, and we and were very impressed, and in the morning. I still get up at 2:30 don’t know what the third one or maybe a twist or surprise; obvious- don’t think we know it all. asked if he would like to go to in the morning, I have that many the fourth one is going to be, but ly it’s got to have characters in it. work for that station. He declined, stories to do. And I don’t think very you take a look at the possible You have to try to talk about them TVWeek: From television to and I think obviously so because much once I’ve done it. I turn to the material you have, what the inter- in a way that makes you—you movies—I understand you’re a big he was going to do very well on next one. In fact, even later the esting stories in the morning are, know, try to make people under- Continued on Page 36 TW MAIN 04-14-08 A 35 TVWEEK 4/11/2008 6:17 PM Page 1

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OPRAH NABS IT Oprah Winfrey shows off her Distinguished Service Award at the Las Vegas Hilton during the NAB WALKING WITH conference in 2004. THE GIANTS

into the organization’s Hall of nificant and lasting contributions we’re thrilled about it,” said Bart Broadcaster Charles Osgood Joins Fame in 1990 and was awarded its to the broadcasting industry. The Tessler, senior VP of news and talk Illustrious List of Past NAB Honorees Marconi Radio Award in 1993 for criteria: life-long service to the programming for Westwood One, outstanding performance. business, viewers and listeners— which syndicates “The Osgood By Hillary Atkin endary icons of broadcasting “Are there any awards he has and a talent that lifts one to the top File” to 284 radio station affiliates. Special to TelevisionWeek including CBS founder William S. not received? This may be the only tier of the industry. “He’s a consummate professional When veteran broadcaster Paley, David Sarnoff, Edward R. one,” said Dennis Wharton, NAB “He’s a broadcaster who appre- in everything he does. The style Charles Osgood receives the Murrow, , executive VP of media relations, ciates the art of a well-crafted sen- and substance and content of the National Association of Broad- and , Walter citing Mr. Osgood’s trophy case, tence. I respect that quality in him, pieces are beautiful.” casters’ Distinguished Service Cronkite, , Oprah which includes four Emmy Awards that he understands the craft of “He has carved out a unique Award today in Las Vegas, he will Winfrey, and and three great writing,” Mr. Wharton said. position in television and radio. become the latest in a long line of Charles Kuralt. Awards. “The Distinguished Ser- “With Charles Osgood, you’re He’s distinct,” agreed Mr. Osgood’s luminaries to receive the honor, “Charles Osgood has received vice Award goes to only one per- comfortable inviting him into your boss, Sean McManus, president of which was first handed out in some of the highest praise in son, and is recognized as the home and hearing him on the CBS News and Sports. “You hear 1953, 30 years after the organiza- broadcast journalism for his engag- absolute highest honor we present radio. He respects the audience, his voice on the radio, and it’s like tion was founded. ing wit and imaginative commen- every year. The recipients are the which is something I think that no one else’s in terms of content Mr. Osgood, anchor of CBS taries,” said NAB President-CEO crème de la crème of broadcast sets him apart from some of his and creativity and recognizability. News’ “Sunday Morning” and of David K. Rehr. “We are honored to icons. We think Charles Osgood younger contemporaries.” On TV he has an aura and ease CBS Radio Network’s “The Osgood recognize him for the significant stands among those giants.” Another thing that sets Mr. about him that makes him the per- File,” joins an elite group that contributions he has made to the The recipient is determined by Osgood apart from other DSA hon- fect anchor for Sunday morning. includes two presidents of the broadcasting industry.” NAB’s board of directors based on orees is his concurrent work in tel- There aren’t that many people who United States—Herbert Hoover This is Mr. Osgood’s third honor staff recommendations of the evision and on the radio. have those qualities, and you’re and —and leg- from the NAB. He was inducted broadcasters who have made sig- “It’s an unbelievable honor, and instantly reminded of it.” ■

Congratulations, Charles, on this well-deserved award.

From your friends and colleagues at CBS.

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST. tw12p36.qxp 4/11/2008 6:30 PM Page 1

36 April 14, 2008 TELEVISIONWEEK NEWSPRO

BIG PARTY Charles Q&A Osgood celebrates 25 PREVIOUS NAB years of “CBS News Continued from Page 34 Sunday Morning” with fan of Theodor Geisel’s. Is that DISTINGUISHED producers Rand Morri- what drew you to narrating a part son and Estelle Popkin. SERVICE AWARD in “Horton Hears a Who”? Mr. Osgood: What drew me into doing it is I got back to the office RECIPIENTS from lunch one day, and my assis- 1953 David Sarnoff tant said, “20th Century Fox called. 1954 William S. Paley They want you to narrate ‘Who’” 1955 Mark Ethridge And I said, “Who? Who was it real- 1956 Robert Kitner ly?” You know, I didn’t think that was 1957 Herbert Hoover very likely. But the very first book 1958 Frank Stanton that I’d done was called “Nothing 1959 Robert Sarnoff Could Be Finer Than a Crisis That Is 1960 Clair R. McCollough Minor in the Morning.” I dedicated 1961 Justin Miller that book “To Theodor Geisel, Dr. 1962 Edward R. Murrow Seuss, for giving me a new way to 1963 Bob Hope look at the Neuss.” N-E-U-S-S. And 1964 Donald McGannon that was because I was speaking in 1965 those rhymes, I was reading those 1966 Sol Taishoff stories to my own kids. And I got a 1967 Chet Huntley / David note from him. I didn’t send him a Brinkley copy of the book. I don’t know how 1968 Lowell Thomas he found out that I had done that. Music and poetry, they’re very close- first African American ever. And duties there. I find that it’s very 1969 John Fetzer But I got a note from him on Cat in ly related, they have to do with the the dynamics of the personalities therapeutic—For one thing, I do 1970 Rosel Hyde the Hat stationery. sound of it, and meter, and all those involved, and the time in history these broadcasts in the morning. 1971 Neville Miller He wrote, “Nothing could be things that are common to both. It’s and all that, I don’t see how any- And when I’m home I have to get 1972 Billy Graham finer than to be an Osgood pretty much the same thing. body could think it’s not a fasci- up at 2:30 in the morning. But it’s a 1973 Ward Quaal inspire-iner.” nating time. The way it’s all six-hour time difference [in 1974 Richard Chapin But it’s been many years since TVWeek: You’ve written six worked out, it’s just a good story. France], so I can sleep much later. 1975 George Storer then. When he died I wrote a poem books and I understand you have a And that does help. Also, when 1976 about him and his work, my reaction new one coming out.What inspired TVWeek: I understand that you I’m over there, I find it’s pleasant just 1977 Harold Krelstein to it. But this [“Horton” job] came as you to become an author? have a house in France. Does to garden and eat, or to go for a walk 1978 J. Leonard Reinsch a total surprise, and they told me that Mr. Osgood: Well, most of these spending time away change your with my wife or friends. We have 1979 Jack Harris they had thought about using me for books that I’ve done have been col- perspective on the United States? people come visit us. We have five 1980 Donald Thurston this for a while. And it was so fun to lections of pieces, you know, radio Mr. Osgood: Yes, it does. I think kids and three grandchildren, and we 1981 Arch Madsen do. It’s not that it’s glamorous or any- pieces that I’ve done, or some of the that travel is broadening, I have a see them over there quite a lot, too. 1982 Walter Cronkite thing—I didn’t get to meet any movie newspaper columns that I’ve writ- home there, so when I go to France 1983 Vincent Wasilewski stars—but it was fun going into a stu- ten, or pieces that are portions of I don’t usually tool around. I usually TVWeek: It sounds lovely. Final- 1984 Elton Rule dio and seeing these pictures and things that I’ve done. Sometimes go there and stick around the gen- ly, what advice would you would 1985 Wilson Wearn narrating the story to the picture. I I’ve done collections that actually eral area of St. Tropez. I can actually give to broadcasters who are just 1986 think that’s just a fascinating thing to come from other people. There was see St. Tropez across the gulf, and starting out in the business today? 1987 Martin Umansky do. And I’m really glad the movie a book of World War II humor. I it’s beautiful. When we’re there, it’s Mr. Osgood: First of all, I would 1988 Mark Fowler seems to be doing very well indeed. soon have a book coming out that’s mostly in the spring and summer, wish that they have as grand a time 1989 James Duffy called “A Funny Thing Happened on the light is beautiful, as so many in their careers as I’ve had in mine. 1990 William Smullin TVWeek: Not only are you a the Way to the White House,” which bathers have found. The smell is That they would get to work for peo- 1991 Thomas Murphy broadcaster and an author, you’re a is just going back to, oh, starting great, you know, the vegetation, the ple who have been as wonderful to 1992 Ronald Reagan poet and a musician. Tell me about around World War II and going for- flowers are terrific, there’s wonder- them as my people have been to me. 1993 Dick Clark how you express all these talents ward about some of these things ful food and wonderful wine…. That they get to work with people 1994 James Quello that you have. that have happened, in politics and And the French really are who are both talented and inspira- 1995 Stanley Hubbard Mr. Osgood: I’ve really picked candidacies—and not just presiden- famous for joie de vivre, the joy of tional on their own. I think the great 1996 Charles Kuralt them all up as I go along. I mean, I tial politics. It’s a pretty good field if life. And so, what’s to not like? thing about news broadcasting is 1997 did take lessons, and I know from B you start looking for funny stuff. that you don’t do exactly the same 1998 James Dowdle flat, but I don’t read the music, you TVWeek:What is your take on this TVWeek: How often do you get thing every day. You learn something 1999 The Cox Family know, with all the notes, to take a current election cycle? Is it different to go over there? every day, that’s important too. You 2000 Frank Bennack piece of classical music and sit down from those in the past? People have Mr. Osgood: I spend a total of meet wonderful people. You work in 2001 Catherine L. Hughes and play. But when I was in the been saying,“I’ve never seen anything about 10 weeks a year. I can do the a business that’s constantly new. 2002 Richard E. Wiley Army band, my roommate, he was like this.”What do you think? radio show from there, and I I’m a talker. I love telling sto- 2003 Cokie Roberts and is a composer, and we wrote Mr. Osgood: I think they recog- sometimes do. Having been at ries and I love being with people, 2004 Oprah Winfrey some songs together, and he wrote nize that no matter what happens, CBS for 40 years, I get a certain and hearing their stories. There’s 2005 Lowry Mays the music to some verse pieces that I no matter which party wins, it’s amount of time off, and I take nothing more pleasurable, as far 2006 / Peter had. He ended up doing pieces for going to be either somebody who advantage of that. I only miss as I’m concerned. Television Jennings / Dan Rather “Kojak,” by the way, John Cacavas is was considered a long shot not three or four “Sunday Morning” always makes fun of talking 2007 David Wolper his name, and he’s still out in Beverly that many months ago or it’s going broadcasts during the summer, so heads. But that’s what I am—I’m a Hills, and we still stay in touch. to be the first woman ever or the it’s not as if I’m neglecting my talking head. ■ TW MAIN 04-14-08 A 37 TVWEEK 4/11/2008 6:24 PM Page 1

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“The Osgood File.” “There’s no one executive producer Rand Morri- BIO else doing this. Others have son, who has worked with Mr. attempted it, but Charlie does four Osgood for almost 10 years. “The Continued from Page 33 pieces every day, from the top sto- energy he brings, it pushes the because it’s fascinating, with peo- ries to medical issues, science and story to a certain level. He’s a real, ple and events, nobody could ask features. That’s tough as far as abili- genuine, down-to-earth, generous, for anything more.” ty and the demands on a person. It kind person. It sounds incredibly Juggling his responsibilities in takes a unique skill set to pull it off.” fulsome. There are people you say radio and television, Mr. Osgood And when others who work nice things about to be polite that has one of the most grueling sched- early mornings might be going are not truthful. He’s the real deal.” ules in the business. He wakes up home for the day, Mr. Osgood is It’s been 14 years now since Mr. every weekday at 2:30 a.m. and gets heading to meetings with produc- Osgood took over the Sunday to the CBS Broadcast Center on ers on “Sunday Morning” to prep morning broadcast from Mr. THE NEWS PROS 57th Street by 4 a.m., where he the weekly broadcast. Often, he Kuralt. “The first Sunday, the way , left, with broadcasts “The Osgood File” four goes out in the field to shoot a story. we open the show, he said, ‘Good Charles Osgood at the times during morning drive. On Saturdays, he comes in to morning, I’m Charles 1999 IRTS Awards the studio to record Osgood and this is “Sun- ceremony. elements of day Morning.” I know, it “There’s no one the show— sounds strange to me, else doing this. often sever- too.’ In any case, it was al times. Yes, self-deprecating and Others have he does live honest, and it was “I’m sure it was a daunting task Do if You Would Be My POSSLQ” attempted it, but nearby, with- real,” Mr. Morrison to take over from a legendary (Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1981), in walking said. “That’s what’s so broadcaster,” added Mr. Morrison. “Osgood on Speaking: How to Charlie does four distance. great about Charlie. I “What’s great is not only that he Think on Your Feet Without Falling Sunday is love this guy. I feel so made a successful transition and on Your Face” (William Morrow & pieces every day.” normally his lucky I get to work followed in the footsteps, but he is Co., 1988), “The Osgood Files” Bart Tessler, Westwood One shortest day of for him.” in himself a highly regarded (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1991), “See the week. He “He was follow- broadcaster. It was a daunting You on the Radio” (G.P. Putnam’s “I’ve been doing this for such a comes in by 6 ing somebody with responsibility to succeed, but he’s Sons, 1999) and “Defending Balti- long time that it’s become sort of a.m. to work on an equal amount of done so with aplomb. It turns out more Against Enemy Attack” natural to me,” Mr. Osgood said. last-minute recognizability,” Charles Osgood is one of a kind.” (Hyperion, 2004). “The great thing is Charlie does rewrites, and he said Mr. McManus. “It was a diffi- Mr. Osgood is the author of six Another television and radio everything: hard news, features, and the staff are wrapped by 10:30 cult role, with large shoes to fill, books, with another, “A Funny personality has adopted the and he’s very well known for his a.m.—giving him time to enjoy a and [former CBS News President] Thing Happened on the Way to the moniker “The King of All Media,” poems. Across the board, I’m very leisurely brunch or take in a play should be given White House,” due out next but Mr. Osgood is clearly a con- appreciative of what he does and or a concert. a lot of credit for the decision. month. His previous titles are tender in that realm. He has per- love listening to his work,” said Bart “He’s so enthusiastic and curi- ‘Sunday Morning’ is unlike any “Nothing Could Be Finer Than a formed with the Mormon Taber- Tessler, senior vice president of ous about the world. He brings other show on TV, and Charles Crisis That Is Minor in the Morn- nacle Choir and played the piano news and talk programming for that and his intelligence to every Osgood is the right man for the ing” (Holt, Rinehart & Winston, and banjo with the New York Pops Westwood One, which syndicates venture,” said “Sunday Morning” right job.” 1979), “There’s Nothing I Wouldn’t and Boston Pops orchestras. ■

Fordham University, the proud alma mater of F S O A R T D I

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Charles Osgood M E

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FORDHAM COLLEGE AT ROSE HILL, CLASS OF 1954 I

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S U congratulates the “poet-in-residence” of CBS

News on receiving the 2008 National Association of Broadcasters’ Distinguished Service Award.

Joseph M. McShane, S.J., President