Posted on 06/30/2006 6:51:35 AM PDT by presidio9
DAN Rather, who forced Walter Cronkite into early retirement, refused to be interviewed for a documentary on his predecessor, who turns 90 on Nov. 4. Rather is believed to be sulking over the way he was dumped by CBS News after 44 years and replaced by Katie Couric, who graciously agreed to narrate the 90-minute "American Masters" profile of Cronkite.
Couric, who'll become the new anchor of "The CBS Evening News" in September, recorded the narration last week, said Catherine Tatge, who wrote, directed and produced "Walter Cronkite: Witness to History," which is to premiere July 26 at 9 p.m. on WNET/Ch. 13.
Couric, who left NBC's "Today" show May 31, agreed instantly to narrate the film when the idea was proposed to her several weeks ago. "She was very cooperative," Tatge told The Post's Adam Buckman.
Rather, however, was not. He was asked to participate in interviews for the show, but said no for reasons he didn't make clear.
"I'm very sorry to say he declined twice," Tatge said. "It's really a shame. I really tried, and I really am sorry because everyone else [said yes] and I've got an amazing group of people. They're all there, and everyone was very happy to do this."
In fact, the Cronkite documentary contains dozens of interviews with TV news stars of past and present, including Tom Brokaw, Robert MacNeil, Don Hewitt, Mike Wallace, Andy Rooney, Morley Safer and Bill Moyers.
Cronkite revealed in his memoir, "A Reporter's Life," that Rather threatened to leave CBS unless Cronkite gave up his anchor chair several months before his 65th birthday. "And once Rather had the job, he never let Cronkite on the air again," said one media insider. "Walter has never forgiven Rather for his brutal tactics."
Cronkite, often called "America's Most Trusted Man
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
Rather's getting his payback, big time.
And that's the way it is.
just another example of the bitter, hate filled, old buzzard gunga dan really is.
Walter hired Dan, didn't he?
I love that reference to Rather "sulking". The first image that comes to mind is a child sitting in his room b/c he can not go out to play.
This is like the Iran Iraq war.
Cat fight! These two read news into a camera for a number of years. They think that qualifies them for canonization!
This documentary sounds like a "Must Miss."
BLECH!
Cronkite was always a determined leftist. Both he and Rather were no friends of America.
It says "Cronkite revealed in his memoir, "A Reporter's Life," that Rather threatened to leave CBS unless Cronkite gave up his anchor chair several months before his 65th birthday. "And once Rather had the job, he never let Cronkite on the air again," said one media insider. "Walter has never forgiven Rather for his brutal tactics.""
So, given their history, WHY would Rather be invited to participate?? Hello??
Rather and Concrite hate each other. Not a surprise really. Can't wait to miss this steaming pile of Liberal crap! American MAster my @ss! More of an American Traitor!
Let's not lose sight of the fact that Cronkite, too, was a partisan, leftist hack.
Like Conkite's book. I couldn't pick it up.
Maybe he and Tommy Daschle should have a sulk-fest.
Have you ever, outside the entertainment industry, seen such remarkable self-congratulating, self-aggrandizing, self-celebrating second raters?
Witness to history?
For goodness sake, the man read television copy!
Cronkite was worse than Rather.
Courage.
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