CBS News and Stations is undergoing a shakeup as Alison Pepper returns to the network to take over as the senior vice president for talent strategy. Laurie Orlando recently occupied the role, but she now oversees the talent strategy for CBS Stations.
Orlando joined CBS News in January 2016 following a stint with ESPN in a top executive role, where she oversaw talent recruitment and development dating back to 2008. As a result, Orlando takes over a job she’s familiar with, dating back to her time with the sports network.
“Laurie is an exceptional partner who is passionate about our mission and believes wholeheartedly in discovering and developing the next generation of community journalists,” Wendy McMahon, president and co-head of CBS News and Stations, said.
“With nearly four decades in the industry, she will be invaluable to our station teams as we actively retain and recruit creators committed to leading the way in local news and information.”
Pepper spent two decades working with CBS News in her first stint, where she would ultimately become a producer for “60 minutes.” She left in 2019, as she left to become an agent for CAA in its Television – News and Sports Media, representing news media talent.
“Alison is an experienced, strategic professional with a sharp eye for the caliber of journalists who elevate and differentiate CBS News across the industry,” Neeraj Khemlani, president and co-head of CBS News and Stations, said.
“Alison has attracted and recruited a diverse range of talent to CBS News over the years, and we welcome her back to continue this important work. She brings the unique experience of being a successful news executive and an agent at one of the leading talent agencies to this position.”
Eduardo Razo is the Assistant Content Editor for BNM, which includes writing daily news stories on the news media industry. He can be found on Twitter @eddierazo_ or you can reach him by email at eddie1991razo@gmail.com.
