CBS TV Stations executives Peter Dunn and David Friend have been placed on administrative leave pending “a third-party investigation” into accusations of abusive workplace behavior reported over the weekend by the Los Angeles Times, CBS announced Monday.
“Peter Dunn, President of the CBS Television Stations, and David Friend, Senior Vice President, News for the TV Stations, have been placed on administrative leave, pending the results of a third-party investigation into issues that include those raised in a recent Los Angeles Times report. CBS is committed to a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace where all voices are heard, claims are investigated and appropriate action is taken where necessary,” CBS said in a statement Monday night.
On Sunday, the LA Times reported extensively on accusations of abusive behavior at CBS-owned television stations by 5 women who used to work for the company and former CBS TV Stations executive Brien Kennedy. According to the women, Dunn and “a top lieutenant cultivated a hostile work environment that included bullying female managers and blocking efforts to hire and retain Black journalists.”
Dunn was also called out by name for securing high-value privileges as part of a deal to purchase a Long Island television station, and for repeatedly making racist and sexist comments about several Black on-air talent at local stations. The woman also described being bullied by Dunn in incidents said to have happened between 2017 and 2019.
People who spoke to the LA Times also criticized CBS itself for retaining Dunn and another senior executive “despite allegations of serious misconduct.”
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