CBS filed a lengthy 30-page motion to dismiss Dan Rather’s civil lawsuit in New York Supreme Court, it was reported by the New York Observer.

CBS executives also released a statement today, noting that they are “mystified” by Rather’s “bizarre allegations” but will “vigorously” defend themselves in court if need be.

“Dan Rather is one of the most important figures in the history of broadcast journalism, and for more than 40 years was one of our most valued colleagues,” CBS said in the statement. “That is why we at CBS are mystified and saddened by the baseless and self-serving allegations and distortions of fact raised in his lawsuit.”

“Today we are filing a motion to dismiss,” added the statement. “If we are required to proceed beyond this point, we will defend the case vigorously and demonstrate that the lawsuit is wholly without merit, and that the bizarre allegations by Mr. Rather are untrue.”

“This lawsuit is a regrettable attempt by plaintiff Dan Rather to remain in the public eye, and to settle old scores and perceived slights, based on an array of far-fetched allegations,” the lawyers write.

“The Complaint is predicated on allegations of a bizarre ’scheme’ extending from the White House to an array of CBS executives including Sumner Redstone, CBS’s Executive Chairman, Leslie Moonves, CBS’s Chief Executive Officer, and Andrew Heyward, formerly president of CBS News, all of whom, according to Rather, colluded to harm Rather’s reputation and keep him off the air,” add CBS lawyers. “Of course, there was no such nefarious scheme, and Rather’s allegations bear no resemblance to reality. CBS and its executives are not now, and never have been, out to get Dan Rather.”

What’s the frequency Kenneth?

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 15th, 2007 at 4:13 pm by Insider and is filed under Media. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.