CBS files motion to dismiss Dan Rather's breach of contract suit

CBS (NYSE: CBS) said it has filed a motion to dismiss Dan Rather's $70 million, breach of contract lawsuit, calling Rather's claims "far fetched" and "baseless."

Rather, the former anchor of the CBS Evening News filed suit against CBS, its former parent Viacom (NYSE: VIA), CBS president/CEO Leslie Moonves, CBS and Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone, and one-time CBS News president Andrew Heyward, alleging that he was erroneously blamed for the 2004 "Memogate" scandal about President George W. Bush's Vietnam-era military record.

"There was no such nefarious scheme, and Rather's allegations bear no resemblance to reality," CBS said in its motion, Reuters/Hollywood Reporter reported. "CBS and its executives are not now, and never have been, out to get Dan Rather."

CBS's shares were virtually unchanged Friday, falling 8 cents to $27.14 in mid-day trading.

Media Analysis: Although Rather is unlikely to win his suit, the suit represents another demerit for CBS, a network adrift. Few organizations have done more to tarnish their reputation and trample on their tradition and legacy than CBS, the network of Edward R. Murrow and Eric Sevareid. The tasteless, disrespectful treatment of Rather during his departure stands in stark contrast to the respect, decorum, and professionalism that was the network's norm for generations.