Louis Rukeyser, RIP

Louis Rukeyser has died.

At one time, he was the best reason to tune into PBS. That is, before they screwed him.

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Louis Rukeyser, an author, columnist and TV host who delivered pun-filled, commonsense business commentary, died Tuesday. He was 73.

Rukeyser died at his home in Greenwich after a long battle with multiple myeloma, a rare bone marrow cancer, said his brother, Bud Rukeyser.

As host of ''Wall $treet Week With Louis Rukeyser'' on public TV from 1970 until 2002, Rukeyser was rewarded with the largest audience in the history of financial journalism.

Rukeyser quit ''Wall $treet Week'' and moved to CNBC in March 2002 rather than go along with executives' plan to demote him. Rukeyser's last appearance on his CNBC show was Oct. 31, 2003, after which he went on medical leave.

''No one can replace him,'' said Michael Holland, a fund manager and sometimes Rukeyser guest.