CBS News chief to step down after facing HR complaints: Report

CBS News co-president Neeraj Khemlani reportedly plans to step down from his leadership position with the network following HR complaints, the New York Post reported.

While Khemlani's contract with CBS does not expire until next spring, he reportedly sent a resignation memo to staff on Sunday.

The memo, which was obtained by the Post, read, "(I am) looking forward to slipping my reporter's notebook back into my pocket and heading out on a new adventure."

"We maintained the #1 position of our iconic weekend programs, successfully developed and launched business plans to grow digital revenue that will sustain CBS News for the next generation, and elevated and promoted so many of the people who work here day after day to deliver on our journalistic mission," Khemlani wrote.

"I'm so proud of what all of you have accomplished — the scores of journalistic wins, the superb storytelling, the creativity that enhanced every aspect of our programming — that has put this division on a stronger path forward," he added.

Shortly after Khemlani was named co-president in 2021, he had a dispute over contract negotiations with the network's anchor, Norah O'Donnell. He gained a reputation among staff for being "rude" and "micro-managing," the Post reported.

Khemlani was previously required to participate in counseling to learn how to use "friendly body language" when speaking with staff and avoid using "sarcasm."

During an April budgeting meeting, Khemlani was allegedly "rude" and "disrespectful" to the network's chief financial officer, Stacey Benson, and a female executive vice president, an insider told the Post last month.

The insider said the women "were shaken" and "had a breakdown after the meeting."

Following the alleged incident, the women reportedly notified HR, and Khemlani was placed under close monitoring. The internal review focused on how the co-president spoke with women and staffers of color.

After going on a family vacation last week, Khemlani was anticipated to return to the office on Monday, but his schedule was allegedly cleared.

Another insider told the Post that CBS News is expected to announce a restructuring on Monday.

After over two years of serving as CBS News' co-president, Khemlani announced he would be taking a "multi-year, multi-platform first look deal with CBS to develop content," including documentaries, scripted series, and books, Axios reported.

George Cheeks, CBS CEO, reportedly confirmed Khemlani's transition plans in a memo to staff.

Khemlani's successor was not announced. However, some speculate that the outlet's co-president, Wendy McMahon, will become the sole leader.

CBS and Khemlani did not respond to a request for comment, the Post reported.

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