New York, NY – In a letter, New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito urged Leslie Moonves, Chairman of CBS, to continue producing and filming CBS’ The Late Show in New York City. Speaker Mark-Viverito wrote that after long-time Late Show Host David Letterman retires, the popular late night talk show should remain in New York because of the history between New York City and The Late Show along with New York City’s commitment to being a home to TV and film production. David Letterman has hosted the program in New York City since 1982 and plans to retire in 2015.

“The Late Show has always been an iconic presence in New York City’s rich entertainment industry,” said Speaker Mark-Viverito in the letter. “What better place for The Late Show than The City That Never Sleeps?”

The full text of the letter is below:

April 4, 2014

Leslie Moonves
President & CEO CBS Corporation 51 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019

Dear Mr. Moonves:

The recent announcement that David Letterman will be retiring as the host of The Late Show was sad and surprising news to myself and to millions of other New Yorkers. For 32 years, The Late Show has been a proud part of New York City’s amazing entertainment culture.

That is why I’m writing to urge you to keep future production and filming of The Late Show right here in New York City, where the program began and where David Letterman found such great success. New York City has always been the home of The Late Show, and nothing could be better for the future of the program than to continue in that tradition when the torch is passed to a new host.

On top of that, New York continues to be a great place to film. While popular programs are leaving other cities, they’re flocking to New York in record numbers. In fact, between the 2011 and 2014, the number of TV series produced in New York City shot up from 18 to 27. We also greatly appreciate and understand the industry’s ability to create good jobs and support small businesses.

Beyond that, The Late Show has always been an iconic presence of New York City’s rich entertainment industry. The history between this city and The Late Show is a defining characteristic which viewers all over America recognize and appreciate. What better place for The Late Show than The City That Never Sleeps?

I look forward to many more years of the relationship between our city and The Late Show.

Sincerely,

Melissa Mark-Viverito
Speaker

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