MediaGuardian.co.uk | Broadcast | Rather attacks 'corporate controlled' news

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12.15pm
Rather attacks 'corporate controlled' news

Julia Day
Wednesday July 12, 2006
MediaGuardian.co.uk

Dan Rather, one of the biggest names in US broadcasting, has hit out at the corporate economics controlling news, after leaving CBS to join high definition TV channel HDNet.

Rather, 74, said he was relieved to be moving from news 'defined by the economics of the corporation presenting the news' to 'independent journalism'.

The news anchor left CBS News last month after he was unable to agree on his future role with the channel's management.

'CBS is a large organisation ... with a chain of command that looks like the wiring of a nuclear plant,' Rather told a meeting of the US Television Critics Association.

'The difference [at HDNet] is that the chain of command begins and ends with me. With 'Dan Rather Reports' I have creative and editorial control.'

He said his new hour-long weekly show, Dan Rather Reports, will feature field reports, interviews and investigations and he will produce and host the programme.

He has signed a three-year deal with HDNet, which is only available on cable and satellite services. He left CBS after 44 years in the wake of the reporting scandal over President George W Bush's military record."