Just a few hours after David Letterman announced that he’ll be retiring in 2015, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti jumped at the chance to make a point.
Garcetti sent a letter to CBS (and cc’d the media) in which he urged the network to move the “Late Show” from New York City to the City of Angels. The move is certainly meant to bring attention to the increasing problem of television and film productions leaving Los Angeles, a problematic trend Garcetti has vowed to turn around.
The mayor’s bold move also follows the loss of the “Tonight Show” from neighboring Burbank, Calif. to New York City in the handoff from Jay Leno to Jimmy Fallon.
See video: 7 of David Letterman’s Most Popular ‘Top Ten’ Lists on YouTube (Video)
Read Garcetti’s message below:
Dear Mr. Moonves:
As a longtime fan, I was saddened to hear of David Letterman‘s retirement. But as Mayor of Los Angeles, I am excited for the opportunity to encourage you to bring CBS’ next late night show to our city — the entertainment capital of the world.
I have made the entertainment industry a key priority for my administration. It’s a critical component to our city’s economy and identity. I created the Mayor’s Office of Motion Picture and Television Production, and under the leadership of Ken Ziffren, we are aggressively seeking to encourage more production here in Los Angeles by cutting red tape, lending proactive assistance, and by furthering public policy to compete with the financial incentives offered by other states.
I look forward to speaking with you about the possibility of bringing the successor to Mr. Letterman’s show to Los Angeles.
Sincerely,
Eric Garcetti
MAYOR