Wendy McMahon has announced her resignation as President of CBS News and Stations, the local television broadcasting division operated by CBS and owned by Paramount Global.
Her resignation was influenced by a “challenging” business environment made more complicated by Paramount’s ongoing battles with the Trump administration and one of its own shareholders, Shari Redstone, over news and editorial content.
“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,” McMahon wrote in a note to employees on Monday. “It has been a privilege and joy.”
McMahon continued: “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.”
McMahon oversaw Paramount’s portfolio of nearly two dozen CBS-owned local broadcast stations, including CBS stations in major markets like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Francisco and Sacramento. She was promoted to the role just two years ago following the departure of Neeraj Khemlani, who was co-president of the business unit. McMahon joined CBS News and Stations from the Walt Disney Company, where she oversaw a portfolio of ABC-owned TV stations.
Following McMahon’s resignation, CBS News President Tom Cibrowski will report directly to Paramount co-CEO George Cheeks. The successor at CBS Stations will also report to Cheeks.
Her departure marks the second time a high-profile CBS executive has stepped away from the network amid an ongoing tug-of-war over how the broadcaster covers the Trump administration and President Donald Trump. “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens resigned last month after finding that the network was facing influence from Redstone and others over how it covered Trump while at the same time battling a frivolous news distortion lawsuit over an interview with one of his political opponents last year.
Paramount is in the process of merging with Skydance Media, a transaction that includes the transfer of broadcast licenses held by CBS-owned TV stations. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must approve the transfer before the deal can close. So far, the agency has held up the process while Trump’s lawsuit remains pending in court.
McMahon’s full note to employees is below:
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
