Departure Day At CBS Radio News
CBS Radio News has downsized five of its most seasoned journalists after distributor Westwood One cut its fees. Among those departing: Executive Producer Charlie Kaye, who had been with CBS for 34 years; Washington correspondent Barry Bagnato, a 30-year network vet; afternoon anchor Harley Carnes, with CBS for 24 years and, CBS World News anchor Bill Whitney, a 32-year vet of the network. CBS Radio News confirmed the exits of Kaye, Carnes and Bagnato via Twitter, adding the name of Washington Bureau Manager Howard Arenstein.
The New York Post reports that several senior correspondents and executives were offered buy-outs in advance of CBS Radio’s imminent split from CBS Corporation. “They were offered targeted buy-outs to accomplish cuts,” a source told The Post. “They took a big haircut in the new Westwood deal, as expected.” These latest departures come less than a month after CBS News Vice President, Radio Harvey Nagler announced he would be retiring from the company. His last day is expected to be Jan. 6. Insiders are expecting more exits in the coming weeks.
