A network spokeswoman, Sandy Genelius said, "He very rarely gets on television because the launches and re-entries normally go without a hitch."

Today a network spokeswoman said that the matter was still under discussion and that a decision would be made before the end of January.

"We certainly had hoped we'd do better," said Laura Nelson, a network spokeswoman.

The two leaders said the Congress could conclude as early as tomorrow night, a network spokeswoman, Sherrie Rollins, said.

Ms. Mapes, through a network spokeswoman, declined to comment.

"We don't want to overshadow the main picture or the anchor," says a network spokeswoman, Christa Robinson.

A network spokeswoman said the game drew a 21.2 rating and a 37 share.

A network spokeswoman had no comment.

The network will lay off 35 members of the culture division, but some can apply for 15 new positions being created by the reorganization, a network spokeswoman said.

"CNN did not issue any formal guidance," said Christa Robinson, a network spokeswoman.