CBS news chief Neeraj Khemlani has announced his departure from the company, revealing that he will be embarking on a new chapter with a multi-year, multi-platform first-look deal with CBS to develop content such as documentaries, scripted series, and books for Simon & Schuster.
In a note to CBS staff, Khemlani expressed his excitement at the opportunity to write, report, and develop stories that he has long wanted to pursue. He also took the opportunity to highlight the success the news network has achieved during his tenure as chief.
“There’s no question that this has been a transformative period,” Khemlani wrote. “We built the best morning show in the history of CBS News, reimagined our streaming channel, and invested in the reporting ranks and the D.C. Bureau – including the Evening News – to position the network for excellence in the next presidential election.”
Khemlani noted that CBS maintained its No. 1 position in weekend programs, developed and launched revenue growth plans, and promoted talent from within the company. He expressed immense pride in the accomplishments of the entire team, which has made the division even stronger.
However, Khemlani concluded that it is now the right time for him to shift his focus and pursue the reporting and creative content he loves, as well as spend more time with his family. While he will undoubtedly miss his colleagues, he is looking forward to the new adventure ahead.
President and CEO of CBS, George Cheeks, also commented on Khemlani’s departure, revealing that they had discussed it beforehand and acknowledging his desire to pursue other projects. Cheeks credited Khemlani with leaving CBS News in a stronger position, with stronger broadcasts and a larger streaming footprint. He expressed his pride in the journalism displayed by the division on a daily basis and emphasized the importance of the diverse and high-quality stories they tell to their viewers.
Khemlani’s move to pursue creative content and storytelling comes as no surprise given his successful tenure at CBS. Under his leadership, the morning show achieved unprecedented success, solidifying its place in history. Additionally, the investment in the reporting ranks and the D.C. Bureau displays Khemlani’s commitment to delivering comprehensive and insightful coverage of the next presidential election.
CBS’ decision to enter into a first-look deal with Khemlani is a testament to his expertise and track record in developing compelling content. The network recognizes his talent and aims to capitalize on it by exploring various content formats, including documentaries, scripted series, and books. This move aligns with CBS’ strategy to expand its offerings across multiple platforms and cater to the diverse interests of its audience.
As Khemlani embarks on this new adventure, he will undoubtedly bring his passion for storytelling and his journalistic expertise to the forefront. The audience can expect thought-provoking and engaging content that tackles a wide range of topics and issues. With his experience in news and his creativity, Khemlani has the potential to create content that resonates with viewers on various platforms.
In conclusion, Neeraj Khemlani’s departure from CBS News marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career. His move to develop content for Simon & Schuster under a first-look deal with CBS presents an opportunity for him to explore his passion for storytelling and pursue the stories he has long wanted to tell. CBS acknowledges Khemlani’s contributions and wishes him the very best in his future endeavors. As the network continues its commitment to delivering high-quality journalism and expanding its reach, the departure of Khemlani opens doors for new leadership and fresh perspectives.