Wendy McMahon has announced her resignation as CEO of CBS News, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict between the network’s news division and its parent company, Paramount Global, led by controlling shareholder Shari Redstone.
According to sources familiar with the situation, George Cheeks, co-CEO of Paramount Global, requested McMahon’s resignation during a conversation on Saturday. McMahon complied with the request, and the decision was formally communicated during a board meeting on Sunday, as per individuals who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of internal discussions.
No comments were provided by representatives from McMahon, Paramount Global, or CBS News regarding her departure.
In her resignation letter, McMahon expressed that recent months had been difficult and acknowledged a lack of agreement with the company on its future direction. She noted it was time for her to leave and the organization to pursue new leadership.
Internal tensions had been escalating, primarily as Paramount Global’s board increased scrutiny over programming details for “60 Minutes” prior to airing, a shift from the show’s traditional operation. The resignation of veteran executive producer Bill Owens in April highlighted these issues, with Owens citing that intensified editorial oversight was undermining his journalistic freedom.
Scott Pelley, a correspondent for “60 Minutes,” addressed the situation on air after Owens left, mentioning that Paramount Global was subject to new controls as part of an ongoing merger process requiring federal approval. Although no stories were blocked, Owens felt his journalistic independence had been compromised.
“60 Minutes” concluded its season Sunday, with new episodes not expected until September. McMahon reportedly faced challenges in ensuring the show’s continuation amid board preferences against certain storylines.
McMahon took the helm of CBS News in August 2023.
Several contentious issues had arisen between McMahon and Redstone over the past few months, which included CBS’s coverage related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and discussions regarding a potential settlement with the Trump administration following the editing of an October 2020 interview with then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Redstone had privately critiqued McMahon for perceived lapses in “fairness and balance” within the coverage, as reported by insiders.
Additionally, Redstone expressed dissatisfaction with both McMahon’s leadership and the overall business performance of CBS News.
Paramount Global’s Merger Plans
Paramount Global is currently awaiting government approval for its proposed merger with Skydance Media, which is led by David Ellison. The deal would secure Redstone over $1.5 billion for her controlling interest in the company, though she will not retain a position in the newly formed entity.
The merger effort is facing delays from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as discussions continue regarding “60 Minutes” and its editorial direction.
Another area of contention is the FCC’s demands regarding corporate diversity initiatives, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has publicly called for a reduction in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within media companies.
In February, Paramount announced the termination of its DEI policies, referencing an executive order from former President Donald Trump that prohibited such practices in federal agencies and urged investigations into private company policies.
Redstone had also publicly criticized McMahon’s decision to discipline CBS News morning anchor Tony Dokoupil for his questioning style during an interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates. CBS News claimed Dokoupil breached editorial standards, leading Redstone to assert that CBS made a misstep in this instance.
“I think Tony did a great job with that interview,” Redstone remarked during a panel discussion at Advertising Week in New York in October.
