CBS TO AIR NEWS SPECIAL ON MALCOLM X

CBS News announced it would examine the myths and facts of Malcolm X in a news special, "Malcolm X: The Real Story," to be broadcast Thursday, Dec. 3 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

The program features scores of interviews as well as rare footage. Other material will be seen for the first time in more than 30 years.

"Malcolm X: The Real Story," reported by Dan Rather, traces the civil rights leader's life as he evolved from militant into moderate. Mr. Rather talks with the family and friends of Malcolm X.

According to producer Brett Alexander, CBS News has conducted network television's most extensive research on Malcolm X, including the examination of much of 50,000 pages of FBI material. "We have also pulled together the most comprehensive footage available from our own CBS News archives as well as from WCBS-TV," Mr. Alexander says. "And, we have assembled virtually all of the important people who knew Malcolm X."

The program includes interviews with Malcolm's widow, Betty Shabazz, as well as such important black cultural and political figures as Maya Angelou, Quincy Jones, Andrew Young, and Dick Gregory - who each reveal some insight into the provocative personality and dynamic principles of Malcolm X. In addition, a new generation of well-known African-Americans talk about the legacy of Malcolm X and the influence he had on their lives.