CBS News CEO Resigns Amidst President Trump’s Lawsuit and Falling Ratings

May 19

By The Blog Source

After citing "challenging" months and differences over the network's direction, Wendy McMahon resigned Monday as president and CEO of CBS News. Her departure comes after internal reorganizations, declining ratings, and increasing pressure from the law and mergers.

Following Neeraj Khemlani's departure in 2023, McMahon oversaw a contentious reorganization effort that elevated local affiliates and consolidated authority under network leadership. Relocating CBS Mornings to Times Square, one of her most well-known projects, was criticized by viewers for being expensive and lacking in originality. In 2024, ratings fell to a record low of less than 1.87 million people.

Her retirement follows the departure of her close ally, Adrienne Roark, who was the editorial chief, and coincides with President Trump's lawsuit against CBS for over $100 million, alleging election meddling related to a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. She conducted an interview with Kamala Harris.

After what she called "challenging" months filled with editorial disputes, internal turmoil, and a business reorganization related to Paramount's possible merger with Skydance Media, CBS News President and CEO Wendy McMahon allegedly announced her resignation on Monday. McMahon revealed her departure in a note to employees, citing persistent disagreements with company officials regarding the network's direction. She wrote, "It has become evident that I and the company do not agree on the way forward." "One of the most significant periods of my career has been this one."

McMahon, who was appointed in 2023 to stabilize CBS News following the sudden dismissal of Neeraj Khemlani, aimed to strengthen the news division's leadership and bring it closer to local stations. Insiders criticized that strategy, claiming that under her direction the network grew more risk-averse and exclusive. She was criticized for making a costly mistake when she decided to relocate CBS Mornings to a glitzy The set, once praised as a state-of-the-art investment, later faced criticism for feeling sterile and coincided with a historic decline in ratings.

Additionally, McMahon's departure coincides with CBS's ongoing legal battle, which might be expensive. In connection with a 60-minute interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, President Donald Trump has accused the network of meddling in the election. A compensation amount of $100 million to $150 million has been proposed by Trump's legal team; this amount would surpass recent defamation settlements from other media behemoths. Federal officials have apparently taken notice of the issue, which makes the planned merger of CBS parent company Paramount much more difficult.

To join the Diamond and Silk Monthly Supporter Program, visit http://SupportDiamondandSilk.com.
Lindell TV, VOCL, ChatDit, Rumble, TruthSocial, and Diamond and Silk Media are all excellent ways to stay connected with Diamond and Silk.