Cbs Television Network

When they roll out their fall schedules, TV networks typically make their biggest headlines with new series. But CBS -- the only broadcaster to enjoy ratings gains in an otherwise glum television season -- on Wednesday raised eyebrows with gutsy moves for two returning shows. The network will shift "The Mentalist," television's most-watched new show this year, from Tuesday to a prominent Thursday spot behind "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."

Longtime CBS television station executive Don Corsini has joined crosstown rival KTLA-TV Channel 5, becoming general manager and president of the Tribune-owned station. Corsini last summer decided to step down as general manager of CBS Corp.'s two Los Angeles stations -- KCBS-TV Channel 2 and KCAL-TV Channel 9 -- when his contract expired Wednesday.

As the networks get ready to roll out their fall schedules next week in New York, rival executives would be well-advised to take a close look at CBS' performance this season. With less than 10 days left in the traditional September-to-May TV calendar, CBS has earned bragging rights as the only big broadcaster to improve its performance this season compared with last. For the sixth time in the last seven years, the network is No. 1 in total viewers, averaging 11.

At CBS, breaking up is hard to do. But not impossible. After two years of saying she would like to try something new, top CBS entertainment executive Nancy Tellem appears to be close to stepping down from her job running the CBS television network and TV production studio. CBS insiders confirmed that Tellem, president of CBS Network Television Entertainment Group, had been in talks with her boss, CBS Corp. Chief Executive Leslie Moonves, to assume a less hands-on role at the company.

CBS is finishing up a deal to renew "The Late Show With David Letterman" for two more seasons at a reduced rate. The network and Letterman's production company, Worldwide Pants, are putting the finishing touches on a contract extension to run the series in the 2010-11 and 2011-12 television seasons, according to a person close to the situation. The current deal was set to expire next spring.