Wendy McMahon Resigns as CEO of CBS News Amid Company Turmoil
McMahon's departure follows internal disagreements and precedes a significant legal mediation involving CBS's owner, Paramount Global.
Wendy McMahon announced her resignation as President and CEO of CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures on Monday, marking another significant leadership change within the organization.
In a memo to staff, McMahon expressed that leading CBS News was a profound experience but acknowledged recent challenges and disagreements regarding the company's direction.
McMahon's decision comes after the recent resignation of Bill Owens, a long-time producer of '60 Minutes,' who departed last month citing diminished journalistic independence amid ongoing legal conflicts related to former President Donald Trump.
He indicated concerns about his ability to lead the program effectively.
In her memo, McMahon stated, "It’s become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward.
It’s time for me to move on and for this organization to move forward with new leadership." McMahon had previously served as President of the ABC Owned Television Stations, bringing significant experience to her role at CBS.
Her resignation occurs as CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, is currently engaged in mediation with Trump's legal team in connection with a $20 billion lawsuit aimed at CBS.
This lawsuit relates to the handling of a '60 Minutes' interview conducted last year with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, in which Trump alleged that CBS had manipulated the footage to aid his political opponent ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
Industry analysts suggest that Paramount Global may be interested in resolving the lawsuit prior to a planned merger with Skydance Media, as potential fallout from the litigation could impact this substantial transaction.
Reports indicate that Shari Redstone, Paramount's controlling shareholder, supports the idea of settling the lawsuit to avoid backlash from Trump's Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which has regulatory authority over media mergers.
As McMahon departs, the sentiment among CBS News staff appears mixed regarding the management of the legal challenges.
Some staff members have expressed apprehension over settling the lawsuit, characterizing Trump’s response to typical editorial decisions as excessively punitive.
At the time of her resignation, McMahon participated in an editorial call and did not indicate any intention to step down.
CBS News has not yet provided further comments regarding her resignation.
During her tenure, McMahon emphasized her efforts to strengthen CBS News’s operational capabilities and leadership structures, stating, "I have spent the last few months shoring up our businesses and making sure the right leaders are in place."
McMahon’s departure adds to a period of instability at CBS News, where both she and Owens have left amidst a backdrop of legal and operational challenges.
In a memo to staff, McMahon expressed that leading CBS News was a profound experience but acknowledged recent challenges and disagreements regarding the company's direction.
McMahon's decision comes after the recent resignation of Bill Owens, a long-time producer of '60 Minutes,' who departed last month citing diminished journalistic independence amid ongoing legal conflicts related to former President Donald Trump.
He indicated concerns about his ability to lead the program effectively.
In her memo, McMahon stated, "It’s become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward.
It’s time for me to move on and for this organization to move forward with new leadership." McMahon had previously served as President of the ABC Owned Television Stations, bringing significant experience to her role at CBS.
Her resignation occurs as CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, is currently engaged in mediation with Trump's legal team in connection with a $20 billion lawsuit aimed at CBS.
This lawsuit relates to the handling of a '60 Minutes' interview conducted last year with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, in which Trump alleged that CBS had manipulated the footage to aid his political opponent ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
Industry analysts suggest that Paramount Global may be interested in resolving the lawsuit prior to a planned merger with Skydance Media, as potential fallout from the litigation could impact this substantial transaction.
Reports indicate that Shari Redstone, Paramount's controlling shareholder, supports the idea of settling the lawsuit to avoid backlash from Trump's Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which has regulatory authority over media mergers.
As McMahon departs, the sentiment among CBS News staff appears mixed regarding the management of the legal challenges.
Some staff members have expressed apprehension over settling the lawsuit, characterizing Trump’s response to typical editorial decisions as excessively punitive.
At the time of her resignation, McMahon participated in an editorial call and did not indicate any intention to step down.
CBS News has not yet provided further comments regarding her resignation.
During her tenure, McMahon emphasized her efforts to strengthen CBS News’s operational capabilities and leadership structures, stating, "I have spent the last few months shoring up our businesses and making sure the right leaders are in place."
McMahon’s departure adds to a period of instability at CBS News, where both she and Owens have left amidst a backdrop of legal and operational challenges.
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