Wendy McMahon is withdrawing from CBS and resigning from executives in charge of CBS News, CBS TV and the joint joint division of the company.
"It's obvious that the company and I don't agree with the way forward," McMahon said in a memo to staff on Monday. "It's time for me to move on, and this organization can keep moving on. Over the past few months, I've spent several months working on our business and making sure the right leaders are in place; I have no doubt they will continue to set standards."
McMahon's exit comes at a tumultuous moment in CBS News, which talks with President Donald Trump about his lawsuit against the network in a flagship news magazine in 60 minutes with Vice President Kamala Harris.
60-minute executive producer Bill Owens resigned earlier this month on the grounds of similar disagreements with management, although the plan has not yet sparked efforts.
CBS head George Cheeks said in a memo that CBS News President Tom Cibrowski and CBS radio head Jennifer Mitchell reported to him directly for the time being.
Like the rest of Paramount globally, CBS is in the process of selling Skydance Global, a deal that remains under regulatory scrutiny by the FCC.
Here is McMahon’s complete memorandum:
Hello everyone,
Today, I resigned from my position as President and CEO of CBS News and Radio and CBS Media Ventures.
This is one of the most meaningful chapters of my career. Leading this extraordinary organization has always been a lifelong honor because I have to work with all of you. Your commitment to truth, fairness and the highest standards is impeccable.
Advocating and supporting the world’s most amazing radio and bureau-produced news, celebrating the success of our shows and brands, and elevating our stories and people…it’s a privilege and joy.
Meanwhile, the past few months have been challenging. Obviously, the company and I disagree with the path forward. Now is the time for me to move forward, and this organization can move forward.
Over the past few months, I have spent several months manufacturing our business and making sure the right leaders are in place. I have no doubt they will continue to set standards.
The benefits you have with Tom, Jennifer, John, Matt and Robert are all very good. They are amazing leaders and they will continue to protect and celebrate your work. I'm sure of this.
George: Thank you for the opportunity.
To our audience: Thank you for your trust. You put us in charge and remind us why this work is important.
To CBS News and Radio and the CMV team: Thank you for your enthusiasm, professionalism and partnership. It is an honor to walk this road with you.
Wendy
The “George” there refers to George Cheeks, one of the three most important global CEOs. Here is the email he sent to the staff himself:
CBS team,
Moments ago, Wendy McMahon announced his decision to resign as CEO of CBS News and Radio and the president of CBS Media Ventures (CMV). Here is the email she shared with the team.
Looking ahead, Tom Cibrowski, president of CBS News, and Jennifer Mitchell, president of CBS Radio, will report directly to me. For CMV, Scott Trupchak, who heads advertising sales and John Budkins, who is responsible for programming and production, will report Bryon Rubin to CBS's COO and CFO. Wendy will be with us for a few weeks to support the transition.
Personally, I want to thank Wendy for her partnership over the past four years. Under her leadership, our TV station’s competitive position and culture have improved dramatically and we have greatly expanded local news. Our streaming news platform – national and local – is stronger, growing, and now has several flagship CBS news broadcast digital expansions.
In a rapidly changing world, Wendy and her team worked hard to articulate their vision and laid the foundation for adapting to our news business. This includes advances in data news, community news, technology and centralized editorial decision making to help teams get faster.
Please join me in thanking Wendy for all these contributions and wish her success in her work.
George