Veteran journalist Charlie Rose fired over sexual harassment

CBS News and American public broadcaster PBS have fired Charlie Rose after eight women came forward accusing the veteran TV journalist of sexual harassment, a media report said.

"In light of...revelations, PBS has terminated its relationship with Charlie Rose and cancelled distribution of his programs," the network wrote in a statement soon after CBS announced it had axed the journalist.

"PBS expects all the producers we work with to provide a workplace where people feel safe and are treated with dignity and respect," New York Post quoted the statement as saying.

The eight women told the Washington Post that Rose made unwanted sexual advances toward them, including groping them and getting naked in their presence.

In a memo to staffers, CBS President David Rhodes said Rose, who co-hosted "CBS This Morning," has been "terminated".

The full text of the memo reads: "A short time ago we terminated Charlie Rose's employment with CBS News, effective immediately. This followed the revelation yesterday of extremely disturbing and intolerable behaviour said to have revolved around his PBS program.

"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. We need to be such a place.

"I've often heard that things used to be different. And no one may be able to correct the past. But what may once have been accepted should not ever have been acceptable.

"CBS News has reported on extraordinary revelations at other media companies this year and last. Our credibility in that reporting requires credibility managing basic standards of behaviour. That is why we have taken these actions.

"Let's please remember our obligations to each other as colleagues. We will have human resources support today and every day, and we are organising more personal and direct training which you will hear about from senior management shortly.

"I'm deeply disappointed and angry that people were victimised - and that even people not connected with these events could see their hard work undermined.

"If all of us commit to the best behaviour and the best work - that is what we can be known for."

--IANS

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