NYDailyNews

It's Bye-Bye for Battista

Bobbie Battista, a fixture on CNN for 20 years, is leaving the network tomorrow.

Her departure, which is described by insiders as mutually agreed-upon, marks the latest change at the news channel since parent company Time Warner merged with AOL earlier this year.

"Bobbie is one of the CNN originals, and I know I speak for many when I say that we will miss her intelligence, energy, enthusiasm and free spirit," said senior vice president Sue Bunda in an internal memo.

Battista joined the network in 1981 as one of CNN's first anchors. Her career at the network has included a seven-year stint on CNN's Headline News and, most recently, a gig as anchor of the daily "TalkBack Live."

Her contract had expired, and she and CNN brass were in renewal discussions.

At the same time, however, parent company AOL-Time Warner was offering significant buyouts to longtime employees. Veteran CNN staffers Lou Waters and Natalie Allen are among those who have left.

"In many ways, leaving CNN will be extremely difficult for me," Battista said in a statement. "However, I'm ready for a change both professionally and personally, and now is the appropriate time for me to change course."

Battista told staffers she was going to form a consulting company with her husband, John Brimelow, who owns Atamira Productions.

"TalkBack Live" will stay on the air, according to a CNN spokeswoman, although no decision has been made on who the new anchor will be.

-- Anonymous, November 01, 2001

Answers

Her eyes will be impossible to forget.

-- Anonymous, November 01, 2001

Carlos!!! Bad dog, no biscuit!

-- Anonymous, November 01, 2001