Josh Howard calls his time at CBS News “23 great years and then two really bad weeks.” Variety‘s Michael Learmonth spoke with Howard about his current gig, as CNBC’s VP for specials and long-form programming.
Howard lost his job as EP of 60 Minutes II as a result of the scandal involving a 2004 story about Pres. Bush’s National Guard service. But, Learmonth writes, “Howard knew his tenure at 60 Minutes II might not last almost as soon as he got the job as exec producer. [CBS CEO Les] Moonves told him to enjoy the gig while it lasted; CBS’ primetime was No. 1, and ‘we don’t need newsmagazines anymore.'”
Nearly two years into his CNBC job, Howard reflects on the state of the TV newsmagazine. “[N]one of the broadcast networks are doing the kinds of one- and two-hour docs that I’m getting to do here.” Learmonth also writes, “in addition to half-dozen former 60 Minutes producers either working or freelancing for Howard, the doc unit has become a landing pad for disillusioned producers with Dateline, 20/20 and Primetime credits on their resumes.