Wendy McMahon Resigns as Head of CBS News

Wendy McMahon is exiting CBS News.

“It’s become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward,” McMahon said in a memo to staff on Monday. ”It’s time for me to move on and for this organization to move forward with new leadership. I have spent the last few months shoring up our businesses and making sure the right leaders are in place; and I have no doubt they will continue to set the standard.”

Here is McMahon’s full memo:

Hi everyone,
Today, I am stepping down from my position as president and CEO of CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures.

This has been one of the most meaningful chapters in my career.  Leading this extraordinary organization has been the honor of a lifetime because I got to work alongside all of you. Your commitment to truth, fairness and the highest standards is unassailable.

Championing and supporting the journalism produced by the most amazing stations and bureaus in the world, celebrating the successes of our shows and our brands, elevating our stories and our people … It has been a privilege and joy.

At the same time, the past few months have been challenging. 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.

I have spent the last few months shoring up our businesses and making sure the right leaders are in place; and I have no doubt they will continue to set the standard.

You are in incredibly good hands with Tom, Jennifer, John, Matt and Robert. They are phenomenal leaders and people who will continue to protect and celebrate your work. I am sure of it.

To George: Thank you for this opportunity.

To our viewers: Thank you for your trust. You hold us accountable, and you remind us why this work matters.

To the CBS News and Stations and CMV teams: Thank you for your passion, your professionalism and your partnership. It has been a privilege to walk this path with you.
Wendy

That “George” there refers to George Cheeks, one of the three Paramount Global CEOs. Here is his own email sent to staff:

CBS Team,
Moments ago, Wendy McMahon announced her decision to step down as president and CEO of CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures (CMV). Below is the email she shared with her teams.

Going forward, CBS News president Tom Cibrowski and CBS Stations president Jennifer Mitchell will each report directly to me. For CMV, Scott Trupchak, who heads advertising sales, and John Budkins, who oversees programming and production, will report to Bryon Rubin, CBS’ chief operating officer and CFO. Wendy will be with us for a few weeks to support the transition.

On a personal note, I want to thank Wendy for her partnership over the past four years. Under her leadership, the competitive position and culture at our television stations have improved dramatically, and we’ve expanded local news significantly. Our streaming news platforms – national and local – are stronger and growing, with digital extensions now in place for several of our flagship CBS News broadcasts.

In a rapidly changing world, Wendy and her teams have worked diligently to articulate a vision and lay a foundation that adapts our news operations for the future. This includes advancements in data journalism, community journalism, technology and centralizing editorial decisions to help teams move faster.

Please join me in thanking Wendy for all these contributions and wishing her much success in what she does next.
George