CBS: Letterman, Ferguson ‘Very Close’ to Extensions

By Andrew Gauthier 

Bloomberg

David Letterman, host of CBS’s “Late Show,” and “Late Late Show” host Craig Ferguson are “very close” to contract extensions with CBS Corp., the most- watched U.S. TV network.

The agreements will run “deep into 2012,” Nina Tassler, president of CBS Entertainment, told reporters at a television critics conference yesterday in Pasadena, California.

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CBS is solidifying its schedule as rival NBC considers returning comedian Jay Leno to 11:35 p.m. for a half-hour show to bolster sagging ratings in prime time and late night. Tassler said New York-based CBS didnt waver in its support of Letterman during the hosts recent revelation of affairs with female staff members.

“We’re very close to a deal,” Tassler said. Letterman “is handling a deeply personal issue with grace.” More…

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