CBS News is losing its top editorial executive, Adrienne Roark, as the network grapples with a series of challenges, including a pending merger and ongoing controversies. Roark's departure for local news giant TEGNA was announced internally on Wednesday, according to a CBS News employee. Her exit comes as CBS faces a $20 billion lawsuit from former President Donald Trump over alleged election interference related to a "60 Minutes" interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. The lawsuit alleges deceptive editing and CBS's refusal to release a full transcript until after the election, prompting FCC involvement.
Roark, who assumed her role last August, oversaw various newsgathering operations, including correspondents, bureaus, and editorial standards. No replacement has been announced yet. At TEGNA, she will serve as chief content officer.
Roark's tenure at CBS News also included an internal clash involving "CBS Mornings" host Tony Dokoupil's interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates. Dokoupil's pointed questioning of Coates's views on Israel sparked internal criticism and led to Dokoupil meeting with the network's Race and Culture Unit. Roark, in a leaked internal meeting, emphasized the importance of objective reporting, acknowledging that the network was at a "tipping point." However, Paramount CEO Shari Redstone publicly supported Dokoupil and criticized CBS News' handling of the situation.
CBS News has faced other recent difficulties, including the departure of Norah O'Donnell from "CBS Evening News" and declining ratings. A recent "60 Minutes" segment on Germany's crackdown on online speech also drew criticism. Furthermore, reports suggest that Redstone is considering settling Trump's lawsuit to avoid potential interference with the upcoming Skydance Media merger from Trump's FCC appointees.
