Charlie Rose accepting the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism from ASU Provost Mark Searle, back in 2015. (File photo)
PHOENIX — Arizona State University officials are “evaluating” the 2015 award presented to former CBS anchor Charlie Rose by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, after the Washington Post detailed allegations of sexual harassment made by eight women.
The women told the Post that Rose “made unwanted sexual advances toward them,” including groping and being openly nude in front of them. The most recent advance is said to have occurred in 2011.
According to the Post, the women “were employees or aspired to work for Rose” on his show “Charlie Rose.”
Rose, who has worked in television news for more than 40 years, received the Walter Cronkite School’s 32nd Award for Excellence in Journalism in 2015.
“The reports about Charlie Rose made public this evening are deeply troubling,” ASU said Monday night in a statement. “Effective immediately, his show is off the Arizona PBS airwaves, and will remain so indefinitely. Meanwhile, we are seeking more information and evaluating his receipt of the 2015 Cronkite award.”
Christopher Callahan, Dean of the Cronkite School, announced late Tuesday the Cronkite Endowment Boards of Trustees will review if the award should be rescinded and should reach a decision by the end of the week.
CBS, PBS and Bloomberg TV each suspended Rose following the publication of the Post‘s story. CBS fired Rose on Tuesday, according to a memo released to staff members from CBS President David Rhodes.
“In light of yesterday’s revelations, PBS has terminated its relationship with Charlie Rose and cancelled distribution of his programs,” PBS said in a statement released Tuesday. “PBS expects all the producers we work with to provide a workplace where people feel safe and are treated with dignity and respect.”
Rose released a statement claiming some allegations lacked accuracy and he felt he “was pursuing shared feelings.” He also apologized for the actions in the allegations.
“It is essential that these women know I hear them and that I deeply apologize for my inappropriate behavior. I am greatly embarrassed,” he said.
Rose, co-host for “CBS This Morning,” was missing from the newscast on Tuesday after CBS suspended him. Rose’s co-anchors, Gayle King and Norah O’Donnell addressed the allegations on the show.
“Let me be very clear: There is no excuse for this alleged behavior. It is systematic and pervasive,” O’Donnell said.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Cronkite News is the news division of Arizona PBS. The daily news products are produced by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.