CBS Fires Charlie Rose After Misconduct Claims

NEW YORK (AP) — CBS News and PBS both cut ties to Charlie Rose on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after several women who worked with him on his PBS interview show alleged a pattern of sexual misconduct, including groping and walking naked in front of them.

Both organizations stressed the importance of providing a safe, professional workplace.

Rose has been one of three hosts of "CBS This Morning" since 2012 and is also a contributor to "60 Minutes." PBS and Bloomberg also suspended airings of Rose's nightly interview show after the Washington Post published an article Monday about women who claim he acted inappropriately toward them.

The actions by CBS and PBS came after both institutions suspended Rose on Monday night.

"Despite Charlie's important journalistic contribution to our news division, there is absolutely nothing more important, in this or any organization, than ensuring a safe, professional workplace_a supportive environment where people feel they can do their best work," CBS News President David Rhodes said in a memo to staff on Tuesday. "We need to be such a place."

PBS didn't technically fire Rose, since the 75-year-old newsman owns the company that produces his show. Since 1991, Rose has interviewed leading figures in politics, entertainment, business, the media and government at a depth not usually seen on television.

His show aired in 94 percent of the country. PBS said it hasn't yet considered what will replace the show; the service is providing member stations reruns of programs like "This Old House" and "Finding Your Roots" to fill holes in their schedule this week.

Rose's downfall hits CBS hard. Since its start in 2012, "CBS This Morning" has been a critical hit with a newsier format compared to better-known rivals at ABC and NBC. Until recently, CBS has rarely been competitive in the lucrative morning show competition but the program has been on a ratings upswing, too.

The show was put in the unusual position of reporting on one of their own hosts as their lead story Tuesday. Rose's co-hosts on the morning show, Gayle King and Norah O'Donnell, were sharply critical of their colleague on Tuesday.

King said the allegations did not fit the Rose she knew, but that "I'm clearly on the side of the women who have been very hurt and damaged by this."

Co-host Norah O'Donnell says it's a time of reckoning for women. She said, "This has to end."

Rose had no immediate reaction to his firing. In a statement late Monday, he apologized for his actions and said he was "deeply embarrassed."

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