Amidst the press of NAB Show news was word that CBS Radio’s Karen Mateo, senior vice president for communications, will be moving on after May 6. Her departure comes at a time of wider pending change at the organization.
Mateo has been with CBS Radio for 13 years and has pretty much been a Tiffany Network lifer since interning in 1992 in the CBS Sports Communications Dept. and officially joining in 1994.
As RW and other trades have reported, CBS Corp. has been making noise about selling off its radio business; CBS chair and CEO Leslie Moonves in March said the company was exploring strategic options, including a sale or spinoff.
Much of Mateo’s early career was spent in the sports TV arm and she also worked for WCBS(TV) from 2001–2003. After that she hooked up with CBS Radio.
Word of her departure disseminated via internal email from Andre Fernandez, president of CBS Radio, and Dana McClintock, EVP of communications for CBS Corp. They wrote, “As the company now looks to split off its radio business, Karen felt it was a natural time to make this change, and we know she’ll be successful in whatever she chooses to do next.” They indicated they will soon begin a search for a new head of communications at CBS Radio; Kristina Quintos is filling in.
Radio World asked what she’ll be doing next; Mateo responded, “No news to report at this time but I will keep you posted …”
Separately, RAIN News reports this week that Ezra Kucharz, president of CBS Local Digital Media, is leaving his CBS position, and will take on a consulting role as special advisor to the CEO of CBS.
