Wendy McMahon has been named president and chief executive officer of CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures, expanding her role in the company.
In this newly created role and structure, McMahon will lead all of CBS News’ broadcast and streaming operations, 27 local television stations in major U.S. markets, 14 local news streaming channels and CBS Media Ventures’ top-rated first-run syndication programming, as well as its content licensing to television stations and the division’s national advertising sales business.
“At every turn since joining CBS, Wendy has used her unique skill set as an innovator, business operator and people leader to energize operations, support our best-in-class journalism and position CBS for its multiplatform future,” said George Cheeks, president and chief executive officer of CBS. “She is a dynamic leader with clear vision who generates forward momentum in every business she touches. I’m excited for the future of CBS News, our local stations and our valuable syndication franchises under her leadership.”
Programming under McMahon’s expanded portfolio will encompass CBS News’ daily and weekly news broadcasts, including 60 Minutes, Face the Nation, CBS Mornings, CBS Saturday Mornings, CBS News Sunday Morning, 48 Hours and CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell.
In addition, as head of CBS Media Ventures, she will oversee entertainment series including Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, Entertainment Tonight, Inside Edition and The Drew Barrymore Show.
She will also oversee CBS Radio, CBS Newspath and CBS’ national and local streaming news services.
McMahon previously shared oversight of CBS News and Stations with Neeraj Khemlani, who recently announced plans to begin a multiplatform first-look deal with CBS to develop content including documentaries, scripted series and books for Simon & Schuster.
Steven LoCascio, president of CBS Media Ventures, a 34-year veteran of CBS, announced his plans to retire at the end of his current contract.
“It’s an honor to be entrusted to lead as venerated an organization as CBS News, and I’m inspired to continue to support the world’s greatest journalists at this critical moment for our profession. I’m also excited to work with the #1 team in first-run syndication at CBS Media Ventures,” said McMahon. “I am fortunate to have thousands of talented, dedicated colleagues across these teams to continue the top-notch journalism and productions our viewers expect from CBS.”