CBS News Reinforces Trust with Appointment of Dedicated Ombudsman for Integrity

In a significant move to bolster journalistic integrity and transparency, CBS News has announced the appointment of P.D. (Pete) Ausband as its new ombudsman. This pivotal role signals a renewed commitment by the venerable news organization to uphold the highest standards of reporting and foster greater accountability across all its platforms.

Ausband's primary mandate will be to serve as an independent advocate for journalistic excellence.

He is tasked with meticulously monitoring content across CBS News's expansive ecosystem, which includes its broadcast programming, digital offerings, and burgeoning streaming services. His oversight aims to ensure that the news presented to the public is not only accurate and fair but also adheres strictly to ethical guidelines.

Reporting directly to CBS News and Stations co-presidents Neeraj Khemlani and Wendy McMahon, Ausband's position is strategically designed to provide an unvarnished, objective assessment of editorial practices.

This direct line of communication underscores the network's seriousness about internal review and its dedication to responding proactively to any concerns regarding its journalistic output.

The creation of this ombudsman role comes at a critical time for media organizations, as public trust in news continues to face scrutiny.

For CBS News, this move is particularly resonant, following periods where its editorial practices have drawn criticism. By appointing an independent arbiter, CBS News is actively working to rebuild and strengthen its credibility with viewers and readers.

P.D. Ausband brings a wealth of experience to this demanding position.

A seasoned journalism professor and former editor, his background equips him with a deep understanding of media ethics, reporting methodologies, and the challenges faced by contemporary newsrooms. His expertise will be invaluable in guiding CBS News toward even greater transparency.

It's important to note that Ausband's role is distinct from human resources functions or handling specific complaints against individual anchors or reporters.

Instead, his focus is on the systemic integrity of CBS News itself – holding the institution accountable for its adherence to journalistic principles. This appointment represents a proactive step towards fostering an environment where accuracy, fairness, and transparency are not just ideals, but actively enforced realities.

Ultimately, this initiative by CBS News reflects a broader industry trend towards self-correction and a renewed emphasis on the foundational tenets of journalism.

Through Ausband's dedicated oversight, CBS News aims to reaffirm its role as a trusted source of information, assuring its audience that integrity remains at the heart of its mission.