CBS Inks Deal with IBEW, and Could ‘The Early Show’ in 3D Be Coming to a TV Near You?

By Alex Weprin 

Good news CBS News viewers: the anchors will be looking good through at least 2014. CBS and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers have reached a new deal covering some 2,800 electricians that work on CBS News programs, CBS Sports events and other shows. B&C‘s John Eggerton has more details on the deal, which will through January, 2015.

Elsewhere: Multichannel News technology guru Todd Spangler reports that CBS is in preliminary stages of planning a cable network that would feature 3D versions of its programs. If the channel moves forward, viewers may be able to check out “CBS Evening News” anchor Scott Pelley in a whole new dimension, though more likely they will be watching “CSI:” and “Hawaii 5-0,” which seem to lend themselves better to the format:

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The broadcast network is considering a strategy to gain distribution for the 3D channel through its retransmission-consent negotiations with cable, satellite and telco TV operators, according to one source.

However, another executive familiar with CBS’s 3D tests said the network has not made a definitive decision on whether to move forward. “It is all very preliminary,” this source said. “There are no solid plans to launch a network.”

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