Adrienne Roark and Jennifer Mitchell are stepping into expanded leadership roles at CBS News and Stations, marking a significant shift in the organization’s structure. This change comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance the integration of local and national news operations, reflecting the evolving landscape of media consumption.
Roark has been appointed as the president of editorial and newsgathering for CBS News and Stations. In this capacity, she will oversee the field and newsroom teams, as well as CBS News Radio. Roark takes over responsibilities previously held by Ingrid Ciprián-Matthews, who has transitioned to a senior editorial adviser role, focusing on political coverage through the upcoming election.
Previously, Roark served as the president of content development and integration. She will continue to lead the CBS Local News Innovation Lab located in Dallas-Fort Worth, along with the Centers of Excellence she established around data journalism, weather, and specialized reporting units. Additionally, she will maintain oversight of WCBS and WLNY in New York, as well as WBZ and WSBK in Boston.
On the other hand, Jennifer Mitchell has been named president of stations and digital for CBS News and Stations. She will be responsible for CBS Stations and the division’s local and national digital properties. This role expands her oversight to include 23 of the 27 CBS-owned stations, incorporating seven stations in the East that were previously under Roark’s leadership. Mitchell had previously served as president of CBS Stations for the West Coast and Midwest.
Both Roark and Mitchell will report to Wendy McMahon, the president and CEO of CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures. They will also share the responsibility of overseeing content for the division’s local and national streaming channels, a crucial area of focus as the media landscape continues to shift towards digital platforms.
McMahon will directly oversee all CBS News network broadcasts, collaborating with executive producers to maximize the potential of the organization’s brands across various platforms. This hands-on approach aims to ensure that CBS News remains competitive in a rapidly changing media environment.
In addition to Roark and Mitchell’s new roles, several other executives have been appointed to key positions within the organization. Alvin Patrick will expand his responsibilities to include specials and documentaries across CBS News, Stations, and Media Ventures, while continuing to lead the CBS News Race and Culture Unit. He will report directly to McMahon.
Terri Stewart has been named senior vice president of newsgathering, where she will manage day-to-day editorial newsgathering across the CBS News and Stations division. Wendy Fisher has been appointed as senior vice president of editorial, focusing on news gathering efforts and community journalism initiatives. Both Stewart and Fisher will report to Roark.
David Reiter has also been appointed as senior vice president of CBS News 24/7, special events, and special projects. His role will encompass special coverage on television and leading the division’s streaming initiatives, reporting to Roark.
These leadership changes come on the heels of a revamp of CBS Evening News, which will see John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois anchoring the broadcast from New York after Norah O’Donnell steps down following the election. Bill Owens, the executive producer of 60 Minutes, will also take on a new role as supervising producer of the evening broadcast, with Margaret Brennan leading political coverage from Washington, D.C.
In a memo to staff, McMahon expressed confidence in Roark’s ability to enhance CBS News’ newsgathering processes while managing all editorial aspects. She highlighted Roark’s previous initiatives, such as Eye on America and the National Community Journalism Movement, and her increased presence in the control room during significant breaking news events.
McMahon also acknowledged Mitchell’s contributions to CBS News 24/7, noting her vital role in growing local streams, which have seen significant success in recent years. The changes reflect CBS’s commitment to adapting to the evolving media landscape while maintaining a strong focus on quality journalism.
As CBS News and Stations continues to navigate the complexities of modern media, the leadership of Roark and Mitchell is expected to drive collaboration and efficiency across the organization. Their combined experience and vision will be instrumental in shaping the future of CBS News, ensuring that it remains a trusted source of information for audiences across the country.
The restructuring comes at a time when CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, is implementing cost-cutting measures and exploring strategic partnerships, including a planned merger with Skydance Media. These developments underscore the importance of strong leadership and innovative strategies in maintaining competitiveness in the media industry.
Roark and Mitchell’s appointments signal a renewed focus on integrating local and national news operations, a critical aspect of CBS’s strategy moving forward. Their leadership will be essential in fostering collaboration among newsrooms and enhancing the overall quality of CBS News’ content.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, CBS News and Stations is poised to adapt and thrive under the guidance of its new leadership team. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on innovation, Roark and Mitchell are set to lead CBS News into a new era of journalism.
Source: CBS News and Stations
