FIRST OFF . . .

CBS’ fall schedule may be released today, sources say, and will keep CBS News’ “48 Hours” on the air and “probably” retain “West 57th”--even though CBS programming chief Kim LeMasters reportedly wanted both axed to make way for entertainment shows that would get higher ratings. What foiled him, one source said, was the argument by CBS News chief Howard Stringer that the two news programs, unlike entertainment shows, aren’t affected by the TV and movie writers’ strike, now in its 12th week. Thus, the news programs could continue with new material this fall even if the strike further delayed the start of CBS’ season, which now won’t begin until near the end of October. CBS’ schedule was debated last week in Los Angeles in what another source calls “intense” sessions. The CBS brass attending included president Lawrence Tisch, Broadcast Group president Gene F. Jankowski, ratings boss David Poltrack and board chairman William S. Paley, at 86 in a wheelchair but actively participating.