One of the most influential and well-known TV news anchormen of all time, Dan Rather, is leaving network giant CBS after 44 years in their employ, reportedly dissatisfied at being "marginalised".
Rather presented the main evening news for 24 years before stepping down in March last year over a controversial report he produced questioning president George W. Bush's military service, which later turned out to be false.
Since then he has worked as a correspondent for the magazine show 60 Minutes, but was reportedly unable to reach an agreement with the network on a new contract. Rather's current contract was due to expire in November.
Rather has complained in recent times of being marginalised and sidelined at CBS since his controversial report. He could be joining HDNet soon, a high-definition television channel, to produce and present a news programme for the channel.
Sean McManus, president of CBS News and Sports, had nothing but praise for Rather.
"Of all the famous names associated with CBS News, the biggest and brightest on the marquee are (Edward R.) Murrow, (Walter) Cronkite and Rather," McManus told Reuters.
"With the utmost respect, we mark the extraordinary and singular role Dan has played in writing the script of not only CBS News, but of broadcast journalism."
CBS plans to show a retroactive documentary about Rather's career later this year.