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BS News is in the middle of a sweeping editorial overhaul, and one of its senior leaders is quietly making a move of his own—this time in real estate. George Cheeks, the 60‑year‑old president and CEO of CBS and chief content officer for news and sports at Paramount+, has put his Manhattan penthouse on the market for $7.95 million. Cheeks bought the unit in November 2019 for $7.25 million and now plans to spend more time on the West Coast and abroad.
The listing comes just after CBS announced that Bari Weiss, founder of “The Free Press,” would become its new editor‑in‑chief following Paramount’s $150 million acquisition of the platform. Cheeks’ home is unit PHD in Stella Tower, a landmark Art Deco building on Midtown West. The penthouse spans roughly 3,455 sq ft of reimagined interiors and includes an additional 1,070 sq ft across three private terraces that offer protected, panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.
Originally a four‑bedroom layout, the residence was converted to three bedrooms to maximize living space. The expansive great room, oversized living area, and abundant outdoor space make the property feel “just too much” for a buyer who rarely stays in New York, according to Joshua Judge, the Sotheby’s International Realty broker handling the sale. Judge notes that the space is “oversized” and that the buyer is also acquiring other properties overseas.
Inside, the penthouse boasts custom marble and woodwork, 8‑foot oak doors, tilt‑and‑turn windows framing the skyline, hand‑laid oak floors, radiant‑heated marble bathroom floors, and a fireplace that anchors the great room. The chef’s kitchen, redesigned by NY Loft, features high‑end appliances: a Sub‑Zero refrigerator and freezer, Wolf double ovens, a Bosch dishwasher, and a Miele induction cooktop. One terrace even hosts an Everdure 4K electric grill by celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal.
The primary suite is gallery‑like, with dual walk‑in closets and a bathroom finished in chevron‑patterned Black Zeus marble, complete with a soaking tub and steam shower. Additional amenities include a den/office, a second bedroom, and an outdoor lounge area.
Stella Tower itself dates back to 1927 and was designed by renowned architect Ralph Walker. The building was originally the New York Telephone Company headquarters and has since been restored by JDS Development into a white‑glove condominium. Residents enjoy a 24‑hour attended lobby, a fitness center, a lounge, a landscaped garden, and bike storage. The tower’s status as the tallest building in the area and its location within the Clinton Historic District give it protected city views in every direction.
The building’s pedigree is matched by its clientele. Past residents have included Trevor Noah, Stephen Schwartz, and Jerry Mitchell. Judge noted that the neighboring penthouse was sold by Noah in 2023, underscoring the tower’s appeal to high‑profile occupants. The property is co‑listed by Judge and colleagues Chris Poore, Matthew Anderson, and Sam Sitinas of Sotheby’s.
Cheeks’ decision to sell aligns with his broader strategy to shift his focus away from New York. With CBS’s editorial changes underway and a new editor‑in‑chief on board, Cheeks is positioning himself for a more global presence while divesting a significant New York asset. The sale of this opulent penthouse—complete with terraces, custom finishes, and a chef’s kitchen—highlights the intersection of media leadership and luxury real estate in today’s market.
