‘CBS Mornings’ EP Shawna Thomas latest to exit network

Shawna Thomas is leaving as executive producer of “CBS Mornings,” an exit that comes as the program is expected to undergo changes under CBS’s new corporate owner, Paramount Skydance.

A network spokesperson confirmed Thomas’ departure, which was first reported by Variety. Thomas has led the morning program since 2021.

Jon Tower will oversee “CBS Mornings” on an interim basis after Thomas leaves at the end of the month, CBS News President and Executive Editor Tom Cibrowski told staff.

“For five years, I’ve tried to make this show something she and everybody on this team want to be a part of. Want to watch. Want to learn from,” Thomas wrote in a note to staffers. She added that she had been “thinking about this for a while and, frankly, I’m tired y’all.”

In his memo, Cibrowski praised Thomas’ leadership of the program and its newsroom culture.

“Morning television moves fast. It demands grace under pressure, sharp instincts, and the ability to pivot at a moment’s notice,” Cibrowski wrote. “Shawna does all of that with a calm confidence and a great sense of humor.”

He added that Thomas helped foster collaboration and trust behind the scenes, which he said translated to the broadcast.

Thomas’ departure follows the network’s announcement that Gayle King has renewed her deal to remain a co-anchor of “CBS Mornings.” Executives have also indicated that Nate Burleson will remain with the show. The program’s third co-host seat has been vacant since Tony Dokoupil moved to host “CBS Evening News.”

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During Thomas’ tenure, the program was renamed from “CBS This Morning” and adopted some elements of “CBS News Sunday Morning.” The show has positioned itself as a news-focused alternative to “Today” and “Good Morning America.”

Thomas was previously the Washington bureau chief for Vice News. Before that, she worked at NBC News for more than a decade.