Network Will “Vigorously Defend Itself”
CBS issued the following statement this afternoon in response to Journal-isms’ report Monday of a discrimination complaint by fired CBS producer Raylena Fields:
“Although CBS has yet to be even served with any charges, we understand from press accounts that Raylena Fields has filed a charge with the EEOC alleging that she was terminated on account of her race. This allegation is patently false. There were lawful performance and organizational issues that resulted in Ms. Fieldsâ?? termination, and her race was absolutely not a factor. CBS maintains a strict no-tolerance policy against racial discrimination in our workplace, and we are proud of our record in this area.
“Once CBS is served with the charge, the company will present its response to the EEOC and will vigorously defend itself in that forum. Ms. Fields obviously appears to be interested in litigating this case in the press. CBS does not share that interest and will reserve its response for the EEOC forum provided for under the law.”
Separately, the network announced that the third-place “CBS Evening News With Bob Schieffer” “has narrowed the gap with ABCâ??s ‘World News Tonight’ by 1.67 million viewers and with NBCâ??s ‘Nightly News’ by 1.21 million viewers compared to the same week last year.” It said the show “has increased its total viewers in more weeks than any other evening newscast during the 2005-06 television season.”
