CBS calls for post-Rather 'News' notions from anyone -- even interns

NEW YORK -- The college interns at CBS News were given achallenging assignment this summer: Develop ideas for a new "CBSEvening News" format.

CBS executives, of course, are doing the same thing, and some ofthem made presentations a few weeks ago.

Linda Mason, CBS News senior vice president for standards andspecial projects, said the assignment was done for the interns'education, even though the network is open to ideas from anywhere.

"This project was for their benefit, not for our benefit," shesaid.

The students took their job very seriously, dressing up in suitsfor Powerpoint demonstrations, Mason said. Most of the studentsargued in favor of more international news, she said.

CBS has been working behind the scenes to revamp the third-ratedevening news broadcast ever since Dan Rather announced last Novemberhe was stepping down as anchor, which he did in March.

AP