Tonight at 9pm on NBC: "Dateline NBC" presents "Tom Brokaw: Eyewitness to History," a two-hour special that explores the most significant events and social trends of the last 40 years, focusing on Brokaw's eyewitness role as reporter and anchor. Includes interviews with Brokaw, big newsmakers and eyewitnesses to the big events of the last 40 years." Here are some of the video clips...

Brian Williams' reaction to Dan Rather's exit: "It looks like I'll be one of the grizzled veterans."

He was just joking, of course. In an interview with the Stamford Advocate, BW says: "Actually, this is unbelievable news. I'm sorry about Dan leaving the scene...I wish him the best."

The story focuses on Brian's life away from the anchor desk...

TV Guide's Stephen Battaglio noticed Tina Brown's timely Topic A interview with Les Moonves over the weekend:

"...He was asked if saw himself 're-creating the whole news side of CBS.' That just may happen, he said, after the independent commission issues its report on the 60 Minutes story. 'I think it will certainly be an opportunity -- and probably a necessity -- to take another look at CBS News, how things are done, what the process is and maybe re-energize the news division, which clearly, I think, needs a shot in the arm right now.'"

NY Postie Adam Buckman says "what CBS News needs is a somebody, even if they have to go outside the company to find him (or her)." He suggests Lesley Stahl or John Stossel -- or Diane Sawyer, though Diane apparently said it's "out of the question," according to yesterday's Post.

> Some TVSpyers want Ted Koppel...

Two must-see Thanksgiving videos:

> Greta thanks the troops in Iraq and goes behind-the-scenes at FNC's D.C. bureau in an Internet video on FOXNews.com.

> Keith Olbermann offers up a Thanksgiving tribute, too: He thanks the news gods (in rhyme!) for the strangest news stories this year.

Ed e-mails in with several suggestions for CBS. The highlights:

"I think John Roberts would be a safe and good choice...The problem is: what distinguishes Roberts (or Pelley from that matter)? What makes them unique? Williams has his NASCAR/Volunteer Firefighter angle, and he's slick and well-dressed. Jennings was the globe-trotting Canadian, Brokaw the folksy South Dakotan, Rather the crazy Texan. What would be Roberts' story?"

More: "Frankly, I think they should make a safe play for 'Evening News' and focus on recruiting other known talent for their other broadcasts." He offers lots of suggestions, after the jump...

> In addition to naming Rather's replacement, CBS should make a big move to poach another big name from another network. My leading candidate is Ann Curry. The loyal newsreader has nowhere to go at NBC...CBS should hire her to contribute to "60 Minutes" or to co-host "Early Show," replacing the miserable Chen or the spacy Hannah Storm.

> Boot Heyward for Susan Zirinsky, the EP at "48 Hours." She's loyally served the network, has a hard news background and would bring a fresh perspective. Since "48" is known as the edgy, more tabloid little sister to "60," maybe she'd spread that edge to other broadcasts?

> Cancel "48" and distribute its correspondents throughout the network, to "Sunday Morning," the DC bureau, "60" and other shows. Focus all newsmagazine attention on the "60" editions.

> Replace Roberts at the White House with Byron Pitts.

> When Schieffer retires, hire Gwen Ifill to host his show and expand it to an hour.

> Poach Ann Curry from NBC and either place her on "Early Show," replacing either Julie Chen or Hannah Storm. Breed Curry to become CBS' news queen, and give her the option to host primetime specials like Walters does at ABC.

> Hire Ed Gordon full time at "60 Wednesday."

> Develop a campaign reminding the nation that it was CBS News that brought them the London Blitz, the Kennedy assassination, the Vietnam war and civil rights marches, the Nixon scandals and the original newsmagazine. Blend the images of CBS vets like Murrow, Cronkite and Rather with the images of its new anchors and reporters, similar to what NBC does in its "Nightly News" opening and what ABC is now doing with the "Trust is earned" ads.

Continue reading "CBS Needs To Recruit More Talent"