Statement: Chief Neeraj Khemlani Departs CBS News and Sage Steele Wins ESPN Lawsuit
Neeraj Khemlani - EUGENE GOLOGURSKY / STRINGER
Broadcast: Neeraj Khemlani has left CBS News after two years of overseeing CBS News and local stations. Khemlani is leaving his role to run the 60 Minutes, CBS Evening News, and Face the Nation amongst other programs. His decision to leave the network comes from agreement to instead pursue a multi-year first look deal with CBS fulfilling his role and duties to develop content for publishing magnet Simon & Schuster, documentaries, and scripted series.
“We maintained the No.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 said in a memo. “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.” Khemlani also stated that he will be “looking forward to slipping my reporter’s notebook back into my pocket and heading out on a new adventure.”
Following Khemlani’s exit, Indian Ciprian-Matthews will take over. Matthews will oversee top editorial business for CBS News across all platforms. She will also oversee all CBS News programs, bureaus, global newsgathering, streaming and digital editorial, as well as standards and practices, special events, politics, elections, surveys, social, the race and culture unit, and CBS News Radio. Matthews will be reporting to Wendy McMahon who oversees CBS News, local stations, and syndication efforts.
“There is no one with a stronger background to continue CBS News’ great journalistic legacy than Ingrid,” said McMahon in a statement. “Ingrid’s editorial expertise, her depth of knowledge and sensitivity to the nuance of the subjects we cover around the globe, and her impeccable news judgment make her an incredible leader. She is unwavering in her commitment to our journalism and to the people and culture of CBS News. I’m so pleased that she has agreed to partner with me at this important time.”
Fox Corp.’s Viet Dinh has left his role as influential legal analyst. It is assumed that his role in the company’s failed legal strategy against a massive defamation suit, filed by Dominion Voting Systems, is the reason behind leaving the media conglomerate at the end of the year. Allegedly, Dinh was believed to have urged Fox to fight back against the recent Dominion defamation suit, stating the voting technology company was owed millions after Fox News aired false claims about its actions and influence on the 2020 election. It became clear that Fox would not prevail and opted to pay $787.5 million to Dominion. Dinh will become a special advisor to the company effective December 31, 2023.
“We appreciate Viet’s many contributions and service to Fox as both a board member of 21st Century Fox and in his role over the last five years as a valued member of Fox’s leadership team,” said Lachlan Murdoch, Fox’s executive chairman and CEO, in a statement.
Noticias Telemundo Mediodía has two new anchors, Nicole Suarez and Octavio Pulido, for the 12:30 p.m. newscast. Previously, Suarez anchored hoyDía for Telemundo and corresponded for Noticias Telemundo and on newsmag Al Rojo Vivo. Pulido was the lead anchor of Telemundo Arizona for the 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscast slot.
“Nicole and Octavio are two highly talented journalists with strong connections to our audience and a deep passion for reporting on stories impacting the Latino community,” said Patsy Loris, executive VP of Noticias Telemundo. “The midday newscast will feature a new dynamic two-anchor format with powerful storytelling and insightful reports, building on our commitment to provide viewers with the most complete, reliable and up-to-date information.”
ABC News has a new senior White House correspondent, Selina Wang. Wang comes from CNN where she worked as a correspondent in the Beijing bureau. Prior to that, Wang hosted CNN program Marketplace Asia and worked with Bloomberg TV in Beijing as a correspondent and anchor.
“During the pandemic, Selina was the only American broadcaster reporting on the ground in China during the historic anti-zero-COVID protests,” ABC News president Kim Godwin said, in a memo to staff. “She provided extensive coverage of how China’s security forces clamped down on demonstrators, filmed her own experience dealing with health surveillance and long government quarantines, and was the first to deeply investigate the extreme measures people took to flee China and its COVID policies.”
Pedro Andrade has been announced as the news director for Telemundo station KULX Salt Lake City after working as the assistant news director for a year. Prior to Andrade’s director positions, he worked at KSTS San Francisco-San Jose as a news producer.
“Pedro is a strategic news leader with strong editorial judgement,” said Tatiana Argüello, president and general manager of Telemundo Utah and Telemundo Colorado. “He has fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration in the KULX newsroom, and I am excited for Pedro and his team of experienced news professionals to continue informing and empowering our Spanish-speaking community in Utah to make decisions that will have a lasting effect on themselves and their families.”
Adolfo Segura has been named VP News for Telemundo San Diego. Previously, Segura had been named the VP of news for the Telemundo television station of Sacramento and Fresno. Segura will be succeeding Mike Gaytán; prior to this promotion, Segura was news director at KVDA-TV, the Telemundo station in San Antonio.
“We are excited to welcome Adolfo to our team and are confident that his strategic vision will further enhance the impact and reach of Telemundo 20’s newsroom,” said Melissa “Missy” Crawford, president and general manager of NBCUniversal’s KNSD-TV and KUAN. “His proven track record of expanding news operations and fostering a unified approach to storytelling aligns perfectly with our station's values. We look forward to his contributions as we continue to serve the diverse communities of San Diego."
Shalini Sharma has been promoted to senior executive editor of NBC News Digital Video Productions. Prior to this promotion Sharma was the executive editor of Digital Video Productions after being with the network for four years. The Race, Equity, and Justice Unit led by Tracey Eyers will now directly report to Sharma.
Catherine Kim, NBC News’ senior vice president of editorial, announced the news, stating, “she [Shalini] has overhauled, streamlined, and elevated how we work. Under Shalini, ‘Stay Tuned’ has leveraged its 12 million followers to expand its journalism beyond Snapchat to original pieces on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. They have debunked viral misinformation and produced explainers on everything from the debt ceiling to the history of child labor.”
Tamron Hall’s syndicated show The Tamron Hall Show will be moved to the afternoon. Taking Tamron’s spot will be a newscast launching at 10 a.m. The new newscast will be placed between Live with Kelly and Mark and The View on these stations, creating a “local interlude” between shows that address current events. All three stations also air a noon newscast, meaning The View will, in turn, become sandwiched by local news. Tamron will be replacing The Rachael Ray Show timeslot after the show ended its 17-season run earlier in 2023.
“[The] addition of local news programming at 10 a.m. – led by these extraordinary teams – will allow us to dig even deeper into the topics and events that showcase our local communities and the issues most impacting them, as well as extend and expand upon breaking news and topics being discussed on ‘Good Morning America’ and ‘Live with Kelly and Mark,'” said Chad Matthews, president of ABC Owned Television Stations, in a statement. “Tamron has had an exceptional year, and I know this move will grow her incredibly passionate Tam Fam even more.”
Saima Mohsin - CNN
Cable: CNN has announced a new lineup featuring Abby Phillip at 10 p.m. and Laura Coates at 11 p.m. Phillip, who anchors CNN’s Inside Politics Sunday, has a new primetime show based out of New York named CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip. Coates, chief legal analyst, will be based out of Washington D.C. starring in her own show Laura Coates Live.
CNN stated the new schedule will roll out “in the weeks ahead.”
ESPN’s Mike Breen will be joining Doris Burke and Doc Rivers on the broadcaster’s A-team for big games; reporter Lisa Salters will also be joining the group. Together, will call the NBA Finals, Eastern Conference Finals, NBA playoffs, and the Christmas Day and NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC. Other news includes ESPN announcing their multi-year deal with Rivers as well as a multi-year extension with Burke. Burke makes history as the first woman to serve as a television analyst for a major men’s championship in the U.S. Their debut is set to be during opening week in October.
Sage Steele is leaving ESPN after settling her lawsuit with the network – terms of the settlement were not disclosed. Sage, a former anchor on SportsCenter and host on NBA Countdown, sued ESPN and its owner Walt Disney Co. last year for allegedly “violating her free speech rights in retaliation for widely criticized comments she made on a podcast regarding the company’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate and for comments about former President Barack Obama”. Sage went on former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler’s podcast calling the COVID-19 vaccine mandate “sick” and “scary to me in many ways” along with, regarding former President Barack Obama identifying as Black, stating … “Well, congratulations to the president. That’s his thing. I think that’s fascinating considering his Black dad was nowhere to be found, but his white mom and grandma raised him, but hey, you do you. I’m going to do me.”
Steele shared on X/Twitter, “Having successfully settled my case with ESPN/Disney, I have decided to leave so I can exercise my first amendment rights more freely. I am grateful for so many wonderful experiences over the past 16 years and am excited for my next chapter!”
Saima Mohsin, former CNN international correspondent, has recently won the right to face the network in front of a U.K. employment tribunal after suing for unfair dismissal, disability, and unequal pay. The lawsuit stems from an accident back in January 2014 after a CNN camera operator ran over her foot, causing tissue damage and chronic pain; this left unable to control her foot along with chronic pain. CNN kept Mohsin on for three more years before ultimately deciding to terminate her contract after she requested alternative duties and support as she went through rehab.
In a statement after the ruling, Mohsin said, “I won! I have won my right to have my case against CNN heard here in the UK. CNN had challenged the Tribunal’s jurisdiction and tried to deny that I had a right to bring my claims here. But this decision means I can now finally have my case heard in England. The Tribunal has ruled in my favor and found it has jurisdiction to hear my case on: unfair dismissal, disability discrimination, victimization, failure to make reasonable adjustments, and equal pay.” She added, “CNN didn’t need to exacerbate my pain and suffering by dragging this through court. I have constantly offered reinstatement or mediation and negotiations. I didn’t ask for this battle while learning to deal with an invisible disability and rebuild my life. But it was important I take a stand.”
CNN did not comment on the matter.
A White House communications staffer has just joined the TV news contributor ranks. CNN announced that they have signed Jamal Simmons to an on-air political contributor role. Simmons was deputy assistant to President Biden and communications director to Vice President Harris before joining the CNN ranks. His work in political news is by far nothing new; Simmons was a political contributor for CBS News and NPR, a prominent Obama campaign surrogate and senior advisor to the Democratic National Committee, a press secretary for two presidential primary campaigns, a communications director for a U.S. Senate race, hosted digital interviews for Hill TV with political leaders and celebrities, managed the national state media operation for Gore/Lieberman 2000, and lastly, served as a Gore spokesman in West Palm Beach during the Florida recount.
Warner Bros. announced that they will be launching a new streaming service, CNN Max. CNN Max is a 24-hour, seven day a week streaming service that will be part of its Max streaming service releasing September 27th. This move is considered as an “open beta” testing that will enable experimentation with “product features, content offering and original storytelling with input and feedback from viewers.” Max subscribers of all tiers will have access to the streaming news service. The new streaming service will include programming built specifically for the Max streaming audience along with featuring talent like CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta, Rahel Solomon, Amara Walker, and Fredricka Whitfield, and CNN Newsroom with Jim Sciutto. CNN Max will also feature Amanpour, Anderson Cooper 360, The Lead with Jake Tapper, The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, and other anchors, correspondents, and contributors.
JB Perrette, CEO and president of Global Streaming and Games, for Warner Bros., stated, “CNN Max is differentiated by having 24/7 news at its core from CNN, the leading global news organization, and being available on a scaled streaming service in the U.S., which has a significantly younger and additive audience compared to traditional TV…this provides even more quality choices for Max customers who will be able to easily catch up on what is happening in the world, particularly in moments of breaking news, all within one seamless experience. We’re excited to engage our Max community in this initial beta stage to help us learn and develop what appeals most to our customers in this new genre.”
WWBT Richmond is launching a new newscast featuring anchor Mikea Turner on the 7 p.m. program called 12 On Your Side. Gray Television owns the station and plans to produce more than 67 hours of local content each week.
“The most important thing a television station can do is serve its community. The best way WWBT/12 On Your Side can do that is with more local news about things that matter to our diverse local communities,” said Regional Vice President/General Manager Kym Grinnage.
Chick Hernandez has joined WUSA Washington to anchor sports at the 11 p.m. timeslot. He will also be the lead anchor covering the Washington Commanders this coming NFL season whilst including weekly interviews with coach Ron Rivera and various players. Hernandez will be succeeding Darren M. Haynes in WUSA's sports department. Prior to him joining WUSA, Hernandez had been play-by-play for college basketball and football at CBS Sports Network.
“It is still unreal to me that I am returning to WUSA9,” Hernandez said. “Many moons ago, I was an intern for the late great Glenn Brenner [former sports anchor, WUSA] and one of my mentors and friends, James Brown, so this is a full circle moment for me — one that I fully understand the gravity of and will treat appropriately. Not bad for a kid from around the way. See you soon.”
Courtney Gousman, former anchor of Cleveland News who joined the station in September 2020 anchoring the 5, 6, and 11 p.m. newscasts, has been laid off. She was last seen on air in late July. Scripps will reportedly be eliminating 300 jobs in the next 12 months as part of a restructuring aimed at reducing annual expenses by $40 million, the group’s WCPO Cincinnati reported earlier this year.
Gousman took to Facebook to discuss her absence from the news the past couple of weeks. In a post on Facebook she wrote, “Hey Cleveland, let’s talk. I owe you an explanation. For the past three weeks I have been missing on air at News 5 Cleveland. As painful as this has been to talk about, I want to let you know I was laid off. I was informed the decision was made due to budgetary reasons and station restructuring. I don't know if I'll ever make an appearance on Cleveland TV again, but I wanted to let you know that I appreciate you.” She went on to write, “I appreciate you embracing this Chicago girl who came here in the middle of a pandemic to accept her dream job of becoming an evening anchor and all the challenges and joys that come with it. This journalist who came to a city she knew nothing about, to start over after divorce …You let me hold your babies and have shared with me some of the most intimate moments of your lives. Thank you for trusting me with your stories.”
Portia Bruner - Portia / Fox Soul
Streaming: Fox Soul has renewed Portia for a second season. Portia Bruner, host of the lifestyle show, focuses on Black women’s experiences throughout the entirety of her show covering a range of topics like faith, family issues, fitness, diet, community issues, etc. Fox Soul is offering back-to-back episodes of the series on weekdays at 7 p.m. in the fall. The series also airs on WAGA Atlanta at 1 and 1:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Following a successful first season, it was a no-brainer to bring Portia back and expand with an extra half-hour,” said D’Artagnan Bebel, general manager, and head of programming at Fox Soul. “Portia’s distinctive voice, authenticity and commitment to spreading positivity have proven to resonate with our audience and we share their excitement for her return this fall.”