CBS SIGNS DAVID LETTERMAN AS HOST OF THE "LATE SHOW" THROUGH FALL 2010

CBS announced today that David Letterman has signed a new contract to host the LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN through the fall 2010.

"I'm thrilled to be continuing on at CBS," said Letterman. "At my age you really don't want to have to learn a new commute."

Letterman, who marked his 13th anniversary as host of the LATE SHOW on August 30, will celebrate 25 years in late-night comedy this coming February. Since its debut on CBS, the LATE SHOW has been honored with nine Emmy Awards (including six for "Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program") and 54 Emmy nominations. Previously, Letterman won five Emmys and received 35 Emmy nominations for "Late Night with David Letterman" during its 11� years on the air.

"Thirteen years ago, David Letterman put CBS late night on the map and in the process became one of the defining icons of our Network," said Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corporation. "His presence on our air is an ongoing source of pride, and the creativity and imagination that the LATE SHOW puts forth every night is an ongoing display of the highest quality entertainment. We are truly honored that one of the most revered and talented entertainers of our time will continue to call CBS 'home.'"

From the start, Letterman has been credited with redefining the talk-show genre. In 1992, he received the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award for taking "one of TV's most conventional and least inventive forms -- the talk show -- and infusing it with freshness and imagination." Letterman has won two American Comedy Awards for "Funniest Male Performer in a Television Series," and a People's Choice Award for "Favorite Late Night Talk Show Host." In 1995 and 2001, the Television Critics Association nominated Letterman for a Career Achievement Award.

The LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN, a production of Worldwide Pants Incorporated, is broadcast weeknights (11:35 PM-12:37 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Barbara Gaines, Maria Pope, Jude Brennan and Rob Burnett are the executive producers.