When Hearst Columnist Walter Winchell had a relapse last month, after doctors had ordered "a complete rest" (TIME, Feb. 4), his column dropped out of some 600 papers, and he discontinued his Sunday night broadcast. Last week Winchell's $500,000-a-year radio contract with Warner-Hudnut, Inc. was canceled. The
American Broadcasting Co. announced that Winchell "will take an extended vacation because of ill health," and his Sunday spot will be taken by Columnist Drew Pearson. Winchell still collects on a separate lifetime contract for an undisclosed amount with ABC. No one could say when he...