CBS president at TCA: “Everybody is safe and happy”
CBS launched its Television Critics Assn.
I know there was some speculation we would cancel today.
We are committed to a collaborative, inclusive and safe workplace.
Credit: Francis Specker/CBS
They said it does not represent their experience at CBS.
Im not saying were perfect.
No large company is.
And theres always room for improvement.
Everyone here has remained laser-focused on the job at hand.
That means nurturing more than 40 shows in production…
Even with all thats going on around us, were running our business.
We have the best execs in television and were doing our jobs.
I think Terry Press, president of CBS Films,wrote eloquently about the situation.
And Stephen Colbertspoke thoughtfully and powerfullyon his show this past week.
I know they both struggled to express their feelings.
I struggle as well.
Leslie has been an excellent boss and a mentor for a long time.
He put me in this job.
At the same time, we must respect the voices that come forward.
Then Kahl took a seat and opened up the room to questions.
One reporter asked:Yes or no: Does CBS need a radical cultural change for all employees?
To which Kahl replied: We take workplace safety really seriously.
Theres no wiggle room there.
Another reporter asked:How can you stand there and not admit that there might be a problem?
I can only speak to the entertainment division, Kahl said.
Were a large company.
Im confident the culture of the entertainment division is very safe, very collaborative, and very welcoming.
CBS Studios investigated Brad Kern in 2016; action was taken after that investigation, Kahl said.
There have been no complaints since.
Im troubled and frustrated that reports continue to come out of the press.
So we started another investigation with outside counsel.
The goal is to get to the truth.
I believe they will.
Another reporter asked about how the networks staff has been impacted.
I feel fortunate to work with them.
What about attracting talent?
Have the accusations hurt the connection there?
We have strong ties to the creative community and are deep into development already, he said.
The companys policy is to report any inappropriate behavior to HR.
But hasnt the #MeToo movement proven that that system like the one at CBS is broken?
I dont believe that now, Kahl said I believe our HR department does a great job.
You wouldnt want them looking into you if they choose to investigate.
They do a very thorough job.
In cases where theres any question, we retain outside firms.
The bottom line is to get to the truth.
The panel came after a week of will they or wont they?
speculation among the Hollywood press corps.
CBS has kept the longtime executive on board while outside firms investigate the allegations.
The executive has denied the allegations while acknowledging he may have made some women uncomfortable.
