CBS News Management Struggling To Keep Control

CBS News President Wendy McMahon is trying to contain several crises that have divided the storied newsroom, including backlash over the network’s handling of a “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris and a debate about whether a morning anchor went too far in his questioning of a guest about Israel and the war in Gaza. 

The 50-year-old McMahon spent last week attempting to quell internal tensions and deal with a torrent of negative press while also overseeing hurricane coverage. 

Meanwhile, Shari Redstone, nonexecutive chairwoman of CBS parent Paramount Global PARA 1.25%increase; green up pointing triangle, has inserted herself into the controversy as well.

Wendy McMahon

The Wall Street Journal reports,  CBS News is considering an editorial review to further address issues of fairness in reporting. The goal of the review would be to ensure that subjectivity doesn’t seep into reporting, according to a senior executive. How such a review would be implemented is still under discussion. 

CBS is also planning an investigation to review concerns employees have raised about their personal experiences in the newsroom, including antisemitism, anti-Muslim views, racism and sexism, the executive said.

McMahon’s current trials come as Paramount is in the midst of merging with Skydance Media, whose leadership team has been meeting with executives to determine future strategy. McMahon is scheduled to sit down later this week with Jeff Shell, the media veteran who has been tapped to become president of Paramount Global after the deal closes. 

The squabbles spreading beyond the halls of CBS’s corporate offices and newsroom into the public realm are seen by some inside the company as a sign that McMahon and her team are struggling to maintain control.