Dan Rather, who left CBS News this week after more than four decades with the network, has been offered a similar journalistic post with HDNet. The all-HD channel is managed by co-founder Mark Cuban, the outspoken billionaire owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks.
According to published reports, word of Rather's pending departure from CBS News began to circulate last week when it was disclosed that the former anchor's continuing role with "60 Minutes" would likely come to an end next fall. It was his only regular role with CBS News. Rather, 74, told the New York Times he was also considering potential offers from ABC, NBC, CNN and Fox News.
Rather said in published reports he was first contacted by HDNet earlier this year, and at our deadline, he was seriously considering a multiyear offer that would include investigative reporting, occasional documentaries, and other possible assignments for HDNet. He reportedly has a contract in-hand from the HD channel, awaiting his signature.
Audience numbers for HDNet are not available. HDNet is widely available in the U.S. via digital cable and DBS, and is expanding its reach into Canada this month.
