Wendy McMahon is exiting CBS, stepping down as the manager answerable for CBS Information, the CBS TV stations and the corporate’s syndication arm.
“It’s turn out to be clear that the corporate and I don’t agree on the trail ahead,” McMahon mentioned in a memo to employees on Monday. ”It’s time for me to maneuver on and for this group to maneuver ahead with new management. I’ve spent the previous couple of months shoring up our companies and ensuring the best leaders are in place; and I’ve little question they’ll proceed to set the usual.”
McMahon’s exit comes amid a tumultuous second for CBS Information, which is in talks with President Donald Trump about resolving a lawsuit he filed towards the community over an interview carried out with Vice President Kamala Harris on its flagship newsmagazine 60 Minutes.
60 Minutes government producer Invoice Owens resigned earlier this month, citing an identical disagreement with administration, although this system has continued to not pull punches.
In a memo, CBS chief George Cheeks mentioned that CBS Information president Tom Cibrowski and CBS stations chief Jennifer Mitchell would report on to him for now.
CBS, like the remainder of Paramount International, is within the midst of a gross sales course of to Skydance International, a deal that’s nonetheless underneath regulatory evaluate by the FCC.
Right here is McMahon’s full memo:
Hello everybody,
Right this moment, I’m stepping down from my place as president and CEO of CBS Information and Stations and CBS Media Ventures.
This has been one of the vital significant chapters in my profession. Main this extraordinary group has been the consideration of a lifetime as a result of I started working alongside all of you. Your dedication to reality, equity and the very best requirements is unassailable.
Championing and supporting the journalism produced by essentially the most superb stations and bureaus on the earth, celebrating the successes of our exhibits and our manufacturers, elevating our tales and our individuals … It has been a privilege and pleasure.
On the identical time, the previous few months have been difficult. It’s turn out to be clear that the corporate and I don’t agree on the trail ahead. It’s time for me to maneuver on and for this group to maneuver ahead with new management.
I’ve spent the previous couple of months shoring up our companies and ensuring the best leaders are in place; and I’ve little question they’ll proceed to set the usual.
You’re in extremely good fingers with Tom, Jennifer, John, Matt and Robert. They’re phenomenal leaders and individuals who will proceed to guard and rejoice your work. I’m certain of it.
To George: Thanks for this chance.
To our viewers: Thanks to your belief. You maintain us accountable, and also you remind us why this work issues.
To the CBS Information and Stations and CMV groups: Thanks to your ardour, your professionalism and your partnership. It has been a privilege to stroll this path with you.
Wendy
That “George” there refers to George Cheeks, one of many three Paramount International CEOs. Right here is his personal e mail despatched to employees:
CBS Crew,
Moments in the past, Wendy McMahon introduced her determination to step down as president and CEO of CBS Information and Stations and CBS Media Ventures (CMV). Under is the e-mail she shared along with her groups.
Going ahead, CBS Information president Tom Cibrowski and CBS Stations president Jennifer Mitchell will every report on to me. For CMV, Scott Trupchak, who heads promoting gross sales, and John Budkins, who oversees programming and manufacturing, will report back to Bryon Rubin, CBS’ chief working officer and CFO. Wendy will likely be with us for a number of weeks to help the transition.
On a private notice, I need to thank Wendy for her partnership over the previous 4 years. Below her management, the aggressive place and tradition at our tv stations have improved dramatically, and we’ve expanded native information considerably. Our streaming information platforms – nationwide and native – are stronger and rising, with digital extensions now in place for a number of of our flagship CBS Information broadcasts.
In a quickly altering world, Wendy and her groups have labored diligently to articulate a imaginative and prescient and lay a basis that adapts our information operations for the long run. This consists of developments in information journalism, group journalism, know-how and centralizing editorial choices to assist groups transfer sooner.
Please be a part of me in thanking Wendy for all these contributions and wishing her a lot success in what she does subsequent.
George
