Rather’s $70M suit against CBS continues in pretrial phase
Former CBS News anchor Dan Rather’s $70 million lawsuit against the network will continue in its discovery phase until a Jan. 23 conference among the involved parties, after a judge deferred ruling on CBS’ motion to have the case dismissed. In the suit, Rather claims he became the “scapegoat” for a questionable report on President George W. Bush’s National Guard service. Both Rather and CBS said they were encouraged by the judge’s actions. BusinessWeek/Associated Press

Groups laud Martin’s commitment to Comcast probe
Free Press and Public Knowledge on Tuesday lauded FCC Chairman Kevin Martin for reiterating the agency’s commitment to investigating Net neutrality-related complaints against Comcast and other networks for allegedly interfering with peer-to-peer file sharing. Martin made his remarks during a Q-and-A follow-up to a speech he delivered at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Broadcasting & Cable

AP video feature lets online affiliates stream local content
The Associated Press has released a new tool that allows members of its Online Video Network to upload locally produced and ad-supported news content to their sites via an AP-managed video player. Mediaweek

Scripps spinoffs to make retransmission deal
The two arms of the soon-to-be split E.W. Scripps Co. plan to forge a pact, under which Scripps Networks Interactive, which will consist of HGTV, Food Network and three other channels, will compensate a new E.W. Scripps focusing on local media for retransmission rights. E.W. Scripps will include 10 local broadcast TV stations, including operations in Phoenix, Kansas City and Tampa, Fla. MediaPost Communications

Other News

• CBS News and writers union come to terms on contract
  The New York Times