Richard Leibner, Pioneering TV News Agent, Dies at 85

Leibner, who represented iconic broadcast journalists like Dan Rather and Diane Sawyer, passed away after a battle with cancer.

Richard Leibner, a talent agent who transformed the TV news industry by representing top journalists, has died at 85.
Leibner began his career in the 1960s and was instrumental in guiding the careers of journalists such as Dan Rather, Diane Sawyer, and Mike Wallace.
He was known for advocating that news stars should be treated and compensated like traditional movie and television stars.
Leibner helped position Dan Rather as Walter Cronkite's replacement at CBS News and was key in Diane Sawyer's move to ABC News.
Survived by his wife, Carole Cooper, and their sons, Adam and Jonathan, funeral services for Leibner will be announced.