The Post has heard that Sean McManus, one of the most significant executives in TV history, would step down as CBS Sports chairman early in 2019.
Former No. 2 David Berson, who will continue to hold the titles of president and CEO of the division, will succeed McManus.
In 1996, McManus assumed leadership of CBS Sports.
Two years later, in 1998, McManus oversaw CBS' repurchase of the NFL package, cementing his legend.
Prior to McManus taking over, CBS lost the rights to NFC games to Fox in 1993.
In the aftermath of losing the NFL, CBS, as a network, plummeted in the ratings, but its fortunes changed when football returned to Sundays.
Nearly a quarter-century later, the NFL is still at the core of CBS Sports and Paramount+’s plans — which also includes March Madness, the Masters and major college football.
McManus will continue working after the Masters and Super Bowl, which are both broadcast on CBS.
The timing, according to McManus, 68, "just feels right to me." "I'm delighted that Bob Bakish, president of Paramount Global, and George Cheeks, president of CBS, concur completely that this time is ideal.
I therefore have complete and utter faith in David, and I feel extremely comfortable about it.