CBS’s iconic news program, ’60 Minutes,’ is undergoing significant changes with the addition of new correspondents and contributors for its 59th season. This follows a major shakeup at the network two months ago. The new team includes Ross Douthat from The New York Times and former ‘CBS Evening News’ anchor Norah O’Donnell.
Nick Bilton, the new executive producer appointed by the network’s editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, shared the news in a staff memo. Additional contributors joining are author Sebastian Junger, Trevor Phillips, and Gianna Toboni. They will collaborate with existing correspondents Lesley Stahl, Jon Wertheim, and Bill Whitaker.
This restructuring occurred after the network made several dismissals, including Tanya Simon, who served for over three decades. This also included correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, and later Scott Pelley, following tensions with network executives. Anderson Cooper, associated with the show for nearly twenty years, also announced his departure earlier.
CBS News leaders, Bari Weiss and President Tom Cibrowski, expressed enthusiasm for the new appointments in an internal memo. Bilton highlighted Douthat as a significant intellectual in America and emphasized O’Donnell’s influence within CBS. Junger, recognized for his nonfiction work ‘The Perfect Storm,’ is noted for his storytelling expertise.
Gianna Toboni, with experience at VICE News and HBO, joins as a national correspondent. Bilton emphasized her versatility, citing interviews with ISIS members and investigations into cartel violence in Mexico. Trevor Phillips, based in London, will serve as a senior global affairs correspondent, known for his challenging interviews.
’60 Minutes’ has experienced considerable upheaval, much of which intensified after former President Donald Trump’s lawsuit concerning an interview in 2024. This lawsuit contributed to broader changes at CBS News, influenced by Paramount’s strategic decisions under new leadership.
Jocelyn Noveck reports on media and entertainment developments for The Associated Press.
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