Turmoil at CBS News as ’60 Minutes’ Struggles with Staff Changes

“60 Minutes,” the acclaimed CBS News program, is facing significant upheaval due to recent staff terminations. The three remaining correspondents, Lesley Stahl, Jon Wertheim, and Bill Whitaker, have decided to stay with the show for now, motivated by the desire to keep the program alive.

In a memo addressed to their colleagues, obtained by The Associated Press, the trio expressed their frustration and sorrow over the recent firings. They acknowledged facing a difficult decision about whether to remain with the show.

“Here’s why we are staying: We don’t want to see ’60 Minutes’ die,” the three wrote.

The dismissals stem from changes implemented by Bari Weiss, CBS News’ new editor-in-chief, and Nick Bilton, the executive producer appointed last week. Bilton replaced Tanya Simon, who was let go after over 30 years with the program. Among those dismissed are correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi, Cecilia Vega, and more, including Scott Pelley, who was ousted after a contentious interaction with CBS News executives.

The correspondents expressed regret over the treatment of their colleagues.

“We want to express how sorry we are that these principled, fair, and honest journalists were treated so shabbily, with such indecency,” they stated in their memo.

However, they are working to build a relationship with their new boss, Bilton, and kept the door open to potential departure in the future, should circumstances demand.

“If we can continue doing the work that made this show what it is — committing acts of independent, fearless journalism and storytelling — we’re here for it,” the three wrote. “If not, we leave.”

The memo concluded optimistically with regards to the upcoming season.

“Here’s to Season 59!”

Convincing the three correspondents to remain has been crucial for Bilton as he focuses on preparing the show for its next season starting in September. The program now faces a shortage of four correspondents. In addition to those recently fired, Anderson Cooper announced his departure earlier, choosing to focus on his role at CNN after being with “60 Minutes” for twenty years.

The shakeup at “60 Minutes” follows President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the show concerning its editing of a 2024 interview with Kamala Harris, then a Democratic presidential candidate. This legal challenge contributed to broader changes at CBS News after Bari Weiss was given her editorial role by Paramount. The network settled Trump’s lawsuit for $16 million, a move criticized by former CBS late-night host Stephen Colbert.

Skydance, led by David Ellison, merged with CBS parent company Paramount. The merger has caused unrest within the network, indirectly leading to Colbert’s departure. Weiss also announced the closure of CBS News’ radio division this year, signifying further shifts within the organization.

CBS News held a pivotal position in American broadcast history, recognized for its nightly news program under Walter Cronkite, which was a trusted source for many decades.