CBS Cuts Ties With Executives Amid Allegations of Hostile Workplace

In a memo to staff reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, CBS Entertainment Group Chief Executive

George Cheeks

didn’t say what the company’s investigation had revealed. The law firm of Proskauer Rose LLP is conducting the probe, which Mr. Cheeks said continues.

“This entire process, while sometimes painful and emotional, is an important step forward in living up to our promise of a safe, inclusive, respectful and equitable workplace for all of us,” Mr. Cheeks said in the staff memo.

The Los Angeles Times report said Messrs. Dunn and Friend mocked Black on-air talent, bullied female executives and fought efforts to hire and retain Black journalists.

Mr. Friend had told the Los Angeles Times that he believed the station group has a strong track record of hiring women and people of color. He denied making comments about employees based on their race or gender.

Messrs. Friend and Dunn couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday.

CBS said Chief Financial Officer

Byron Rubin

will continue to oversee the station unit on an interim basis. CBS News executive

Kimberly Godwin

will have oversight of local news for the group.CBS owns 28 local stations, an important source of revenue for the parent,

ViacomCBS Inc.

Write to Joe Flint at joe.flint@wsj.com