Zev Shalev, who has been executive producer of the CBS “Early Show” for the last 18 months, told his staff this morning that he’s leaving the broadcast, and the network. Shalev plans to launch an online news/social media desination. More on that later today when we talk to Shalev.
In a note to staff, obtained by TVNewser, CBS News & Sports president Sean McManus writes, “I want to thank Zev for his commitment and his contributions to THE EARLY SHOW. During his time with CBS News, Zev has helped position THE EARLY SHOW as a serious contender in morning TV.”
Shalev will help through the transition as McManus writes, an “appointment will be announced shortly.”
The changes at the top of the #3 morning show come during the same week as changes are made to the on-air line-up at the #2 show, ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Tomorrow an announcement will be made that ABC is adding George Stehpanopoulos and Juju Chang to the anchor team as Diane Sawyer and Chris Cuomo depart.
McManus’s note after the jump…
> More: NYObserver’s Felix Gillette reports David Friedman will be named EP of the show. Friedman is the son of CBS News EVP Paul Friedman. Reached for comment, CBS News spokeswoman Kelli Halyard tells TVNewser, “We decline to comment on speculation and rumor.”
Message from Sean McManus
I am writing to inform you that Zev Shalev will be leaving THE EARLY SHOW and CBS News. Zev is moving on to new opportunities and is excited to develop new content with alternative distribution models. Zev tells me that his first project, NewsTsar, brings together news and social media and will launch in the second quarter of next year.
I want to thank Zev for his commitment and his contributions to THE EARLY SHOW. During his time with CBS News, Zev has helped position THE EARLY SHOW as a serious contender in morning TV. In fact, THE EARLY SHOW, which was nominated this year for its first Daytime Emmy Award in the Outstanding Morning Program category, was the only network morning news broadcast to show growth in the 2008-09 television season. Zev has had very kind words to say, as well, about you, his talented colleagues, and has offered to assist as we transition to THE EARLY SHOW’s new EP, whose appointment will be announced shortly.