CBS News President Ingrid Ciprián-Matthews, a seasoned veteran of the network, surprised employees on Wednesday as she announced her decision to step down from her role. The departure comes as CBS News' parent company prepares for a complex merger, leaving the news organization without a top boss during the crucial 2024 presidential election.

In a memo to employees, Ciprián-Matthews expressed her reluctance to become the news herself, but acknowledged the need to share her plans. After careful consideration, she concluded that it was the right time for her to step away from her current position at CBS News and embark on a new chapter in her career.

The unexpected departure raises concerns for CBS News, especially given the upcoming high stakes presidential election. Wendy McMahon, chief executive of CBS News and Stations, addressed the situation in a separate memo, revealing that Ciprián-Matthews would assume a newly created role as a senior editorial adviser. In her new capacity, she will offer guidance in the network's politics coverage throughout the election period.

The news of Ciprián-Matthews' departure coincides with the recent acceptance of an offer by CBS News' parent company, Paramount Global, from Hollywood production studio Skydance Media. The merger will result in Skydance Media appointing its own leadership team, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the network.

Acknowledging the corporate changes ahead, Ciprián-Matthews wrote in her memo that the industry and the company are undergoing transformations, necessitating various short-term and long-term decisions. She emphasized the importance of transparency and integrity in driving these decisions during this period of change.

McMahon assured staff that Ciprián-Matthews will transition into her new role as senior editorial adviser gradually over the coming weeks. Further updates regarding the leadership transition will be shared in due course.

Ciprián-Matthews made history as the first Latina to assume the role of CBS News president. Her tenure followed the departure of Neeraj Khemlani, who held the position for a two-year term marred by a human resources probe.

The departure of Ciprián-Matthews leaves both CBS News and ABC News, another major television broadcast news organization, without leadership heading into the November elections. Earlier this year, ABC News ousted Kim Godwin as its chief, with no announcement of a replacement as of yet. This adds additional turbulence to the media industry during a particularly uncertain time.

As CBS News navigates the aftermath of Ciprián-Matthews' resignation and adjusts to the impending merger, the network faces challenges in maintaining its position of influence amidst the evolving media landscape.