David Rhodes

Don’t expect a hologram or even a famous politician’s child to contribute to his newscasts. Since taking the reins at ailing CBS News (earning him a spot on last year’s list), Rhodes has eschewed the fluff, flash, and other ratings bait that typically pass for news these days to focus on, um, well, news. He’s lengthened the network’s flagship political show, Face the Nation, put Scott Pelley in the evening anchor spot, and completely overhauled the moribund Early Show, which debuted as CBS This Morning with Charlie Rose and Gayle King in January. The strategy seems to be working. Ratings for CBS’s morning and evening shows are up nicely. Stress relief: running and religion. –Erika Fry