CBS News Chief Abruptly Exits

CBS News was rocked Monday morning when president Wendy McMahon announced her sudden departure, citing disagreements with parent company Paramount over the news division’s future. 

The exit follows months of tension, including a $20 billion lawsuit from President Trump against “60 Minutes” for allegedly editing an interview with Kamala Harris deceptively. 

Paramount’s Shari Redstone, eyeing a company sale to Skydance, favors settling the suit, which many deem baseless.

Last month, “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens resigned, citing a lack of journalistic independence. McMahon had publicly backed Owens, clashing with Paramount executives wary of the show’s Trump coverage. Her departure, announced just after the “60 Minutes” season finale, surprised some despite internal expectations she might leave soon.

In her farewell memo, McMahon expressed pride in CBS News’ journalistic mission while acknowledging recent challenges. “The past few months have been tough,” she wrote, noting a divergence with Paramount on the network’s future direction.

Wendy McMahon

'It's become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward,' she added.

'It's time for me to move on and for this organization to move forward with new leadership,' McMahon declared, echoing words offered by since-gone 60 Minutes showrunner Bill Owens last month.

McMahon highlighted her efforts to stabilize CBS News and appoint capable leaders. She thanked the staff and her successor, George Cheeks, for the opportunity, expressing confidence in the leadership team of Tom, Jennifer, John, Matt, and Robert. “They are exceptional leaders,” she said, “and I’m certain they’ll uphold the highest standards.”

Since taking over in August 2023, McMahon’s tenure has been turbulent. A revamp of “CBS Evening News” flopped, with ratings plummeting. 

The newsroom also faced Redstone’s criticism over a “60 Minutes” Israel-Hamas segment and McMahon’s handling of an incident involving “CBS Mornings” anchor Tony Dokoupil. Dokoupil was rebuked by CBS executives for his interview with Ta-Nehisi Coates, a move Redstone called a “mistake,” praising Dokoupil’s work.

McMahon was also in charge of all of CBS News’ broadcast and streaming operations, as well as its 27 local TV stations, 14 local streaming channels and syndication programming. She’ll also oversee content licensing to TV stations and the division’s national ad sales business.