Bob Greene : Bill Edwards was CBS television 's first anchor . He says Edwards was replaced by Walter Brennan to boost ratings . He says Edwards remained at CBS News in a much reduced role . Greene : When ABC began its `` Nightline '' program , Edwards held out hope that CBS would try to match it late at night . It must have hurt , but he took it with grace and dignity .
Bob Greene : Bill Edwards was CBS television 's first anchor . He says Edwards was replaced by Walter Brennan to boost ratings . He says Edwards remained at CBS News in a much reduced role . Greene : It must have hurt , but he took it with grace and dignity .