You can only make so much money in life and only enjoy so many creature comforts. The important thing is to do something meaningful-to leave something behind.

In the past ABC has made half-hearted efforts or, worse, cosmetic efforts, to do something about news and I wasn't certain about what their real aim was - nor am I now.

I don't think the news department will have to lie down and play dead like it has in the past. By and large the network has been understanding, but then so have I.

I don't expect to win every battle but I think Fred Pierce has enough respect for me that I can go fight my battles and win my share.

But if you cover the World Series on the news or do a feature on an Ali boxing match then all of a sudden ears go up all over the place and people say what the hell are you doing. The reason for that is that we're doing something that people are really interested in.

The current wisdom now is that if the three networks are covering the news the same way the difference is the anchor people. I think that won't be true in the future.

I don't think people realize the extent to which TV networks are hurt when they carry public broadcasting. I think the estimate is that they lose a half-million dollars for a half day's programming.