Neeraj Khemlani, CBS News co-chair, steps down after two years in office and HR complaints
CBS News president and co-head Neeraj Khemlani is out of the esteemed outlet after a two-year stint plagued by HR complaints and employee clashes.
According to multiple outlets, Khemlani informed employees in a memo on Sunday about his departure from the position after calling confidential counselors on Saturday.
The departure comes just a few weeks later reported the co-head was monitored by human resources for what was described as ‘bullying, rude’ behaviour.
Khemlani plans to stay within the CBS family developing content including book adaptations, documentaries and scripted series.
DailyMail.com reached out to Paramount Global — parent company of CBS News — to confirm the report, but officials were unavailable for comment.
CBS News president and co-head Neeraj Khemlani is out of the esteemed outlet after a two-year stint plagued by HR complaints and employee clashes
Khemlani was the president of CBS News and was two years into his role
It is believed CBS intended to announce the co-head’s departure Monday.
Khemlani has been vacationing in Europe with his family for the past week and is expected to return on August 14, sources told the New York Post.
In his email to staffers obtained by the outlet, Khemlani said he was excited to move on to a new phase of his career.
“(I’m) looking forward to putting my reporter’s notebook back in my pocket and going on a new adventure,” he wrote in part.
Khemlani – who was only two years into his three-year contract – had his departure confirmed by CBS CEO George Cheeks in a supportive statement.
Cheeks, who was responsible for bringing in Khemlani, said the two had been discussing “his possible transition for some time.”
It is currently unclear who will take over from the controversial boss. His co-president Wendy McMahon may be the most likely option.
During his time in the role, Khemlani was in charge of the news department that kept tabs on programs like “60 Minutes” and “Face the Nation.”
McMahon, meanwhile, heads the TV and digital news divisions.
During his time in the role, Khemlani (far left) was in charge of the news department that monitored programs like ’60 Minutes’ and ‘Face the Nation’
It is currently unclear who will take over from the controversial boss. His co-president Wendy McMahon (pictured) may be the most likely option
In his memo on Sunday, Khemlani mentioned recent reports of his alleged workplace behavior involving women and employees of color.
“We have maintained the No. 1 ranking of our iconic weekend programs, successfully developed and launched business plans to grow the digital revenue that will support CBS News for the next generation,” he wrote in the memo.
“I am so proud of what you all have accomplished — the scores of journalistic wins, the fantastic storytelling, the creativity that has enhanced every aspect of our programming — that has propelled this division forward on a stronger path,” he wrote.
Prior to his departure, Khemlani underwent a 360 performance review by HR.
Employees and former employees who spoke out against the head of CBS News described the boss as “rude” and “micromanaging.”
The review resulted in mandatory advice on how to talk to employees “without sarcasm” and to use “friendly body language” according to reports.
In 2022, DailyMail.com reported that ‘CBS Evening News’ anchor Norah O’Donnell feared for her job after clashes with Khemlani
In 2022, DailyMail.com reported that ‘CBS Evening News’ anchor Norah O’Donnell feared for her job after clashes with Khemlani.
O’Donnell — whose previous contract expired in the spring of 2022 — feared she could fall victim to the CBS News president’s cost-cutting initiatives.
Insiders shared at the time that the two had clashed for nearly a year and that he was quietly looking for a replacement for the evening news.
He denied the allegations, saying in part: “Norah’s presence in Washington has increased CBS Evening News coverage on all fronts… And in addition to making headlines, the program is gaining viewership.”
O’Donnell eventually resigned from ‘CBS Evening News’ but took a huge pay cut – $3.8 million a year less than her previously estimated $8 million.