The prestigious news program "60 Minutes" is left without another key ally as CBS News' head, Wendy McMahon, has quit, citing disagreement with the company's path forward.
Her exit is the latest shocking turn of events in the face-off between CBS's parent company, Paramount, and President Donald Trump.
"It's become clear that the company and I do not agree on the path forward," McMahon, the president and CEO of CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures, wrote in a memo obtained by Business Insider. "It's time for me to move on and for this organization to move forward with new leadership."
Her departure comes a month after the longtime "60 Minutes" executive producer Bill Owens quit the show, saying he could no longer run the program independently.
At the time, Owens said McMahon had the show's back, while McMahon praised Owens as having "unwavering integrity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to the truth." She said then that CBS remained committed to "60 Minutes" and would ensure that its mission and the work remain a priority.
"It is not a good sign," a "60 Minutes" employee told BI.
The employee expressed concern that McMahon's promises to preserve the work of "60 Minutes" and promote from within to replace Owens could fall by the wayside.
CBS is in talks to settle a $20 billion legal battle with Trump. Last year, he sued the network over its "60 Minutes" preelection interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
The legal trouble has cast a shadow over Paramount's long-standing plan to sell to the Hollywood production company Skydance, which requires Federal Communications Commission approval.
Trump and his allies have repeatedly targeted the mainstream press.
George Cheeks, a co-CEO of Paramount and the CEO of the broader CBS organization, praised McMahon in a memo that was also seen by BI, saying her contributions improved the network's local news, competitiveness, and streaming operations. He said Tom Cibrowski, who oversees CBS News, and Jennifer Mitchell, who leads CBS Stations, would report directly to him going forward.
For CBS Media Ventures, which McMahon also oversaw, Cheeks said Scott Trupchak, who heads advertising sales, and John Budkins, who oversees programming and production, would report to Bryon Rubin, CBS's chief operating officer and CFO.
Here's the text of McMahon's full memo to staff:
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
