Rooney Gets to Do ’89 in 60 Minutes

NEW YORK —  Most reporters dread the end of a year. This is because they are told to write a long story about the year’s major stories and what it all means. But there are those who enjoy such work.

His name is Andy Rooney. He is at CBS News, and he gets to grouse on “60 Minutes” each week. This Thursday, he has 60 minutes of his own--a little less, technically speaking--to grouse or be amused about this year. Rooney, whose show is “A Year With Andy Rooney: 1989,” doesn’t mind doing “year-enders,” as they’re called by journalists.

“As a writer, it’s a lot of fun. All you need is something to write about. And here it is, all sitting there for you. And every event spurs an idea or observation. It’s a great thing for an essayist.”

For example, he notes that ABC’s Diane Sawyer was induced to leave CBS for $2 million a year “and the chance to work with Sam Donaldson.” In contrast, Connie Chung, in leaving NBC for CBS, “only got $1.5 million. But she got to work alone.”