Dan Rather, the former news anchor for CBS, is set to make a comeback to the network after an 18-year departure. CBS cut ties with Rather in 2006 following a controversial segment he narrated on “60 Minutes II” in 2004. However, he will now return for an interview on “CBS News Sunday Morning” to discuss his work at CBS and his life in news. The interview is set to air on April 28.
Rather began his career at CBS in 1962 and served as a correspondent for “60 Minutes” before becoming the anchor for the “CBS Evening News” in 1981. He later became a correspondent on the spin-off show, “60 Minutes II.” However, his career took a turn when he presented documents during a news report in 2004 that made explosive allegations about President George W. Bush’s service in the Texas Air National Guard during the Vietnam War. The report faced intense criticism for its accuracy, and CBS failed to authenticate the documents. As a result, Rather resigned from his anchoring position in 2005 and left the network entirely in 2006.
In 2007, Rather filed a $70 million breach of contract lawsuit against CBS, claiming that he was made a scapegoat for the backlash over the segment. However, the lawsuit was dismissed by a New York appeals court in 2009. The controversy surrounding the 2004 broadcast, known as “Memogate” or “Rathergate,” was later portrayed in the film “Truth” in 2015.
Rather reflected on his career and the film in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He expressed his love for CBS and his satisfaction with his investigative reporting work after leaving the network. He also discussed how the film brought his past back into focus and raised questions about the state of news today.
In addition to the film “Truth,” Rather’s career was also the subject of a documentary called “Rather.” The film premiered at the Tribeca Festival and was directed by Frank Marshall. Rather and Marshall aimed to tell the story of Rather’s career through major milestones in American history, highlighting the role of journalism, society, technology, and corporations.
Rather expressed his gratitude for having his career portrayed on the big screen, acknowledging that he gave it his all, despite moments when he wished he had done better.
Overall, Dan Rather’s return to CBS News after 18 years marks a significant moment in his career. Despite the controversy surrounding his departure, Rather’s contributions to journalism and his long-standing presence at CBS cannot be overlooked. His upcoming interview on “CBS News Sunday Morning” will provide an opportunity for viewers to hear his perspective on his time at CBS and his life in news.
