Moonves On 'Late Show' Staying In NYC: That Is Still To Be Determined
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The mystery of who will be sitting in David Letterman's chair when he retires has been solved.
However, one question remains: Will "The Late Show" with newly-announced host Stephen Colbert stay in New York?
CBS News national correspondent Dan Raviv spoke with CBS President and CEO Les Moonves Thursday and asked if the show will remain in new York.
"That is still to be determined," Moonves said. "As you know we've gotten a lot of calls from mayors in New York, Los Angeles and a lot of different places. We're still determining the locale. There are a number of new states bidding for shows -- Connecticut has thrown their hat in the ring, so we have some decisions to make on that."
Moonves, however, said later in the day that because Colbert has been working in New York and lives in New Jersey, the show will likely remain on the East Coast.
Mayor Bill de Blasio called Moonves on Monday and urged him to keep the show in The Big Apple.
"I had a very good conversation yesterday with the man who will actually make that decision, Les Moonves, and I emphasized that New York has been an extraordinary home for 'The Late Show,'" de Blasio said.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also weighed in on Thursday and made the case for the "Late Show" staying in the Empire State.
"With East Coast-based host Stephen Colbert taking the reins of the 'Late Show,' it's clear we should keep the show where it belongs – here in New York," Cuomo said. "I am calling CBS President and Chief Executive Officer Les Moonves and urging that CBS continue the 'Late Show's' history of filming in New York's own legendary Ed Sullivan Theater. We must ensure that the "Late Show's" long and proud history of making the nation laugh from New York continues for years to come."
Raviv also asked Moonves about choosing Colbert.
"We're very pleased we have Stephen Colbert. We feel like we got the right guy," Moonves said.
When asked if he considered a woman because some critics might say, 'Oh another white man,' Moonves replied, "We considered everybody. Among the list of usual suspects there were a number of women's names, but as I said, we felt like even looking at all those ... yeah Stephen Colbert's another white guy but what an amazing white guy he is. He's the best person for the job and that's who we went with."
Moonves said Colbert will not portray his Comedy Central character when he hosts "The Late Show."
Listen: Moonves On Late Show Move
Moonves also said he wasn't sure when Letterman's last show would be.
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