CBS Cuts 60 More Jobs in Its Broadcast Group

CBS eliminated another 60 jobs Tuesday as it consolidated staffs in the CBS Broadcast Group that handles press relations, lobbying, research, program practices and broadcast relations.

The move came amid speculation that CBS may shuffle the broadcast group’s most senior managers as it reorganizes the unit.

CBS said the latest cuts reduced to 130 the number of employees in the broadcast unit that handles such functions, down from 290 in July, when the unit announced it would cut 700 jobs. A consulting team from Coopers & Lybrand, an accounting firm, is looking over CBS’ operations and is recommending reorganizations and staff cuts, said spokesman George Schweitzer.

The company hopes to have completed its staff reductions “within weeks,” Schweitzer said.

In addition to the 700-position cut announced in July, the company has identified an additional 600 jobs for elimination, and may cut still others as well, sources say.

One source said speculation has centered on the possibility that Laurence A. Tisch, CBS president and chief executive, might eliminate two executive vice president positions in the broadcast group that are now filled by Thomas Leahy and Neil Pilson, and might even end the presidency of the group, a position now filled by Gene F. Jankowski.

The executives holding those positions might be reassigned or dismissed, the source said.

The broadcast group formerly had two additional executive vice presidents, Van Gordon Sauter, who was dismissed in September, and James Rosenfield, who retired late last year.

Tisch has made clear his preference for eliminating management not directly involved in operations. Earlier this month, Peter A. Derow, president of CBS Publishing Group, was dismissed, along with his executive staff.

The dismissals left the heads of the CBS magazine and book publishing divisions reporting directly to the chief executive.