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Schieffer to Temp at ‘CBS Evening News’

Feb 2, 2005  •  Post A Comment

Bob Schieffer, the chief Washington correspondent and “Face the Nation” moderator for CBS News, has been designated the interim anchor of “CBS Evening News” after Dan Rather steps down March 9, while the network continues to weigh its long-term anchor and format options. The announcement Wednesday from CBS News President Andrew Heyward, after a spate of leaks, said that the transition period is expected to be short. Mr. Schieffer, 67, will begin his new assignment March 10. He will continue to anchor “Face the Nation” during the transition.

Although CBS Chairman Leslie Moonves is reported to have approached such non-CBS stars as “Today” co-host Katie Couric and “Good Morning America’s” Diane Sawyer, both are said to be firmly committed to their networks — NBC and ABC, respectively. That has led some to presume that “Evening News” is likely to seek strength after Mr. Rather ends his 24-year run in a multiple-anchor, perhaps even multiple-city format.