George Cheeks, a seasoned entertainment executive with over 30 years navigating the industry’s toughest personalities and tasks, is now confronting his most formidable challenge.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Cheeks, who co-leads Paramount Global and oversees CBS, is central to negotiating a settlement in President Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit against CBS News.
The lawsuit’s resolution is seen by Paramount’s controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, as critical to finalizing an $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, which awaits Federal Communications Commission approval. However, CBS News staff and executives strongly oppose any settlement, putting the network’s reputation at stake.
Beyond the lawsuit, he faces Redstone’s dissatisfaction with CBS News’s coverage of Israel’s war against Hamas and unrest at CBS News following the resignation of a veteran 60 Minutes executive producer over corporate oversight concerns. Meanwhile, Paramount’s business is under strain, with advertisers cutting spending amid economic uncertainty. After significant layoffs last year, the company is planning another round of job cuts next month to save hundreds of millions, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Supporters highlight Cheeks’s ability to navigate such crises, citing his background as an entertainment lawyer and his success steering networks through a shifting media landscape while managing big egos.
“I do not know how he manages all he oversees and always has a smile on his face despite whatever noise is going on,” said CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach. At a recent event promoting CBS’s prime-time lineup, Cheeks sidestepped questions about the settlement, joking, “I appreciate the try, but I have had no tequila today.” He acknowledged the challenges but emphasized his focus on supporting his team, writes WSJ's Joe Flint and Jessica Toonkel.
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