ANOTHER FAREWELL AT 'CCO: Scott Libin had root-canal surgery Monday, but it was only his second most painful yank of the day. The WCCO-TV news director was dismissed Monday after three years at the CBS affiliate. He previously held that job at KSTP-TV from 1998 to 2003.
"I've had better days," Libin said as he drove to the dentist. General manager Brien Kennedy, who came on board this summer, told staff members he had decided to make a change in newsroom leadership, not an unusual procedure when a new head honcho comes to town.
Libin said there was nothing sinister about his departure and he's proud of his time at the award-winning station. "I've proud to have even had the opportunity," he said. "It'll always be a thrill for me to say I worked there."
Mike Caputa will serve as news director until a permanent replacement is named. Kennedy said Caputa would likely be a candidate.
Libin, who has taught at the prestigious Poynter Institute in Florida, is just the latest to go through WCCO's revolving door. Reporter Heather Brown announced last week that she was leaving for the New York market and top anchor Don Shelby retires in November.NEAL JUSTIN
