Wallace to ease workload

Mike Wallace, the hard-driving reporter often seen as the symbol of CBS’ “60 Minutes,” said Tuesday he will stop being a regular correspondent for the show.

Wallace, 87, was careful not to say he’s fully retiring, and CBS News President Sean McManus referred to him as a “correspondent emeritus.”

But it is clear an era is coming to a close at television’s leading newsmagazine, which Wallace joined at its start in September 1968.

“I’ve often replied, when asked, ‘I’ll retire when my toes turn up,’ ” Wallace said. “Well, they’re just beginning to curl a trifle, which means that, as I approach my 88th birthday, it’s become apparent to me that my eyes and ears, among other appurtenances, aren’t quite what they used to be.”

Wallace has said for years that he was cutting back on stories at “60 Minutes,” but his competitive instincts made it difficult for him to follow through.

He said that “CBS is not pushing me” and that he’ll keep an office at the CBS News headquarters.

Wallace’s television career dates to the late 1940s, and he was even a game show host in the 1950s. “Night Beat,” a local news interview show in New York, gave him his reputation as a tough interrogator, but it was at “60 Minutes” where he achieved his greatest fame.

Wallace has done six stories for “60 Minutes” this season, including a profile of actor Morgan Freeman and a story on Iraq war veterans who lost their limbs.

‘Idol’ warm-up

Just like the Academy Awards, “American Idol” now merits its own pre-show.

Beginning this week, the TV Guide Channel (cable channel 99 in Spokane, 20 in Coeur d’Alene) will present a live hourlong pre-show at 7 p.m. before each of this season’s remaining “American Idol” telecasts.

“Idol Tonight” will feature appearances by ejected contestants and past “Idol” stars along with exclusive footage including auditions, outtakes and post-performance confessions.

Former “Idol” finalist Kimberly Caldwell and one-time “Popstars” contestant Rosanna Tavarez will host.

New life for ‘Six Feet’

Those still in mourning over the Fisher family of HBO’s “Six Feet Under” can take heart: Bravo has picked up rerun rights to the Emmy-winning series and will begin airing it later this year.

“Six Feet Under,” which revolves around the Fishers and their mortuary business, has won seven Emmys and will be eligible one last time this year. It was created by Alan Ball (“American Beauty”).