CBS News has named Caitlin Conant to serve as its new political director just two months after firing Steve Chaggaris over what the company termed “inappropriate behavior.”
Conant, who joined the company in May 2016, most recently served as Executive Director of Communications in Washington.
“Caitlin’s background in national politics and her experience here at CBS News give her the strengths and perspectives to be a superb political director — we are all very excited that she will be leading our political coverage as we head into what will certainly be a fascinating and challenging political cycle,” CBS News Vice President and Washington Bureau Chief Christopher Isham said in a statement.
“After nearly a decade on Capitol Hill and presidential and Senate campaigns, I joined CBS News and the world of media,” Conant said. “Nearly two years later, CBS News feels like home. I am honored and humbled to take on this new role, and am eager to continue to work with my colleagues here as we prepare to cover the critical midterms and the exciting election season to come.”
The decision to elevate Conant to the director position closes the loop on a troubled period for CBS News, which ousted Chaggaris as well as “CBS This Morning” co-anchor Charlie Rose following accusations of misconduct.
“In the last two weeks, accounts of inappropriate behavior by Steve Chaggaris were brought to our attention and were immediately investigated,” CBS News said in a statement in January “As a result, CBS News has severed ties with Mr. Chaggaris for violating company policy, effective immediately.”
CBS is one of many media companies that has been rocked by MeToo related sexual misconduct scandals in recent months.