Turmoil at ’60 Minutes’: Correspondents Stand Firm Amid Changes

Three correspondents of CBS News’ program ’60 Minutes’ have opted to stay despite recent upheavals. Lesley Stahl, Jon Wertheim, and Bill Whitaker expressed their decision in a memo obtained by The Associated Press, stating their intent to prevent the show’s demise.

In the memo, they conveyed their dismay over recent firings by the new CBS News editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, and executive producer Nick Bilton. These dismissals included Tanya Simon, who served the show for over 30 years, along with other correspondents such as Sharyn Alfonsi, Cecilia Vega, and Scott Pelley.

“We want to express how sorry we are that these principled, fair and honest journalists were treated so shabbily, with such indecency,” the correspondents wrote. They are working to establish trust with their new boss, Bilton, and keep an open stance regarding their future with the program.

‘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. If not, we leave.’

Anderson Cooper also decided to leave, focusing on his work with CNN after two decades with ’60 Minutes’.

Recent challenges arose following a lawsuit by former President Donald Trump concerning a 2024 interview with Kamala Harris. CBS News settled the lawsuit for $16 million, causing dissatisfaction among some ’60 Minutes’ staff. Popular late-night host Stephen Colbert also left, criticizing the settlement.

Bari Weiss, who was appointed editor-in-chief following a merger between CBS parent company Paramount and David Ellison’s company Skydance, announced the shutdown of CBS News’ radio operation, marking a significant transition for the network.