Dan Rather Sues CBS For $70M

Ex-CBS News Anchor Says He Was Made "Scapegoat" For Story On Bush's Military Service

(AP)  Dan Rather filed a $70 million lawsuit Wednesday against CBS, alleging that the network made him a "scapegoat" for a discredited story about President Bush's National Guard service.

The 75-year-old Rather, whose final months were clouded by controversy over the report, says the complaint stems from "CBS' intentional mishandling" of the aftermath of the story.

The lawsuit, filed in State Supreme Court in Manhattan, also names CBS President and CEO Leslie Moonves, Viacom Inc. Chairman Sumner Redstone, and former CBS News President Andrew Heyward.

Rather, the former anchorman of the "CBS Evening News," is seeking $20 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages.

CBS spokesman Dana McClintock said: "These complaints are old news, and this lawsuit is without merit."

Rather narrated the September 2004 report that claimed President Bush skirted some of his duties during his National Guard service and that a commander felt pressured to sugarcoat Bush's record. He maintains the story was true.

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Independent Review Of CBS National Guard Story

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But an independent review for the network determined the story was neither fair nor accurate. CBS fired a producer for airing it and three news executives resigned.

[michellem99-2009]

I like Dan Rather as he told the news I feel fairly. It was sad when he signed off. So Hope he wins. Miss you sir..I welcomed him in my home thru the TV. The thing I like the most is Mr. Rather alway remined true to the truth and proper reporting of our news. Good or bad he did. And if he was wrong he stood upto the plate and said so. That I like. A reporter and not a person just sitting there reading a page. Need to get bach to that. The proper telling the news and we learn from it. Not hollywood style news. Real news.