CBS News has recently made some quiet cuts, letting go of three key positions ahead of significant layoffs expected at its parent company, Paramount Global, this summer.
The network, which has seen its ratings decline for both its morning show and evening news, is also facing a hefty $20 billion lawsuit from former President Trump regarding a contentious “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris. This week, CBS fired two news directors—Andre Rodriguez, the North Director based in NYC, and Southern Regional Director Mary Helen Campa—both of whom had been with the company for around 20 years.
Additionally, Chad Cross, the senior vice president of The Beats & Enterprise Unit, has also been let go, as sources indicate. He joined CBS News just last year.
A source familiar with the matter described the layoffs as part of a “streamlined move,” remarking on it as an organizational change intended to centralize news gathering.
Another insider commented that the network has “no fat left,” stressing the impact of absences on the team: “If someone calls in sick, everyone feels that.” CBS News has not provided any official comment.
As reported by the Wall Street Journal, these job cuts occur alongside coming layoffs at Paramount, anticipated to start next month, as the company awaits approval for an $8 billion merger with Skydance. This move is part of a larger $500 million cost-cutting initiative following a wave of layoffs last year.
Paramount, which operates Hollywood Studios, MTV, and Showtime, faces delays related to the merger due to the ongoing lawsuit with Trump and scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission.
Currently, negotiations are ongoing between Paramount and Trump’s legal team regarding the lawsuit stemming from the interview with Harris. Trump’s FCC Chairman, Brendan Kerr, is also looking into the situation.
George Cheeks, co-CEO of Paramount Global and CBS, is reportedly involved in negotiating a settlement, as company shareholder Shari Redstone pushes for a resolution. Cheeks is expected to assume a leading role once the merger with Skydance concludes.
Trump is said to be seeking $100 million to resolve the lawsuit, while Paramount hopes to settle for somewhere between $15 million and $25 million—an amount similar to what Trump has recently settled for with Disney’s ABC and Meta.
