CBS News President Wendy McMahon Resigns Amid Trump Lawsuit, Leadership Turmoil

Wendy McMahon, president and CEO of CBS News and Stations, resigned amid growing tensions between CBS News and its corporate parent Paramount, largely influenced by a $20 billion lawsuit from former President Donald Trump regarding a '60 Minutes' interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. McMahon's departure follows that of Bill Owens, the longtime executive producer of '60 Minutes,' who also resigned citing a loss of journalistic independence due to pressures from Paramount executives. Both McMahon and Owens had been closely allied, advocating for editorial integrity in the face of corporate and political challenges. Paramount is currently negotiating a settlement with Trump and seeking approval for an $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, activities that have contributed to internal discord and management restructuring. CBS CEO George Cheeks praised McMahon's leadership and stated that CBS News president Tom Cibrowski and CBS Stations president Jennifer Mitchell will now report directly to him, signaling a leaner management structure. The departures have raised concerns among CBS staff about the future direction of '60 Minutes' and the network's editorial independence.