Wendy McMahon, the co-head of CBS News and Stations, is expanding her role at CBS as she takes on additional responsibilities. With the departure of Neeraj Khemlani, McMahon will now oversee both the news and stations divisions on her own. In addition, she will also assume oversight of CBS Media Ventures, the network’s syndication arm. This expansion of her purview showcases McMahon’s leadership and expertise in the industry.
The president of CBS Media Ventures, Steve Locascio, has announced that he will be retiring after 34 years with the company. As for Khemlani, he will be transitioning to a production deal with CBS. Wendy McMahon’s expanded role comes with the full support of CBS president and CEO, George Cheeks. He believes McMahon’s unique skill set as an innovator, business operator, and people leader will energize operations and position CBS for its multiplatform future.
Throughout her time at CBS, McMahon has proven herself as a dynamic leader with a clear vision. She has generated forward momentum in every business she has been involved in. Cheeks is excited for the future of CBS News, the local stations, and the valuable syndication franchises under McMahon’s leadership.
Khemlani, who had previously shared oversight with McMahon, will now be departing for the production deal. This new structure allows McMahon to consolidate her authority over both the news and stations divisions. In a statement, McMahon expressed her honor to lead such a prestigious organization as CBS News. She is inspired to continue supporting the world’s greatest journalists, especially during this critical moment for the profession. McMahon is also looking forward to working with the number one team in first-run syndication at CBS Media Ventures.
As for Locascio, he bid farewell to his staff and expressed his disbelief at how much the television business has changed over the years. He mentioned that shows like “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!” have become the top two most-watched series on broadcast television. He also noted that Oprah has retired, and a new generational daytime voice has emerged in Drew Barrymore, whom the LA Times dubbed the “millennial Oprah.” Locascio’s retirement marks the end of an era at CBS.
Despite these changes, Cheeks reassured CBS Media Ventures employees that the network remains committed to its valuable syndication business. This commitment demonstrates CBS’s dedication to continuing its successful ventures and expanding its reach.
In conclusion, Wendy McMahon’s expanded role at CBS showcases her leadership skills and expertise in the industry. As she takes on oversight of the news and stations divisions, as well as CBS Media Ventures, McMahon’s clear vision and innovative approach will continue to drive CBS forward. With the support of CBS president and CEO George Cheeks, McMahon is poised to lead CBS News, local stations, and syndication franchises to new heights.