Trying to Save Their Necks
It seems that CBS was delaying the investigation into Rathergate in order to avoid having to discipline its employees. From Broadcasting & Cable:
Pre-election, the feeling in some quarters at CBS was that if Kerry triumphed, fallout from the investigation would be relatively minimal. The controversial pieces producer, Mary Mapes, would likely be suspended or fired, but a long list of others up the chain of commandfrom 60 Minutes II executive producer Josh Howard, to Rather and all the way up to news division President Andrew Heywardwould escape more or less unscathed.
Here's hoping they get what they deserve.
(From Rathergate.com)