Three remaining correspondents at CBS News’ tumultuous 60 Minutes have made the decision to stay, citing their commitment to preserving the show. Lesley Stahl, Jon Wertheim, and Bill Whitaker expressed their reluctance to leave, emphasizing their dedication to the program in a memo obtained by The Associated Press.
The trio voiced their discontent over recent dismissals at the show under the leadership of Bari Weiss, the new editor-in-chief at CBS News, and Nick Bilton, the newly appointed executive producer. Notably, Tanya Simon, Sharyn Alfonsi, and Cecilia Vega were let go, along with other key staff members. Additionally, Scott Pelley was fired following a tense altercation with CBS News executives.
While expressing regret for the treatment of their former colleagues, the correspondents highlighted their efforts to establish trust with Bilton. They affirmed their commitment to upholding the show’s legacy of independent and bold journalism, with the caveat that they would consider leaving if necessary.
The decision of Stahl, Wertheim, and Whitaker to remain is seen as a pivotal move in Bilton’s efforts to steer 60 Minutes back on track for the upcoming season set to debut in September. The show faces the challenge of filling the void left by the departure of four correspondents, including Anderson Cooper, who announced his exit earlier this year after two decades.
60 Minutes has encountered challenges over the past year, notably stemming from a legal dispute with former U.S. President Donald Trump over an interview clip. The internal shakeup at CBS News followed Weiss’s appointment as editor-in-chief by parent company Paramount, coinciding with David Ellison’s leadership at the network.
Paramount, having settled the lawsuit with Trump for $16 million US, drew criticism from some within 60 Minutes and faced backlash from figures like Stephen Colbert, whose show was cancelled after he condemned the settlement as a “bribe.”
Despite the recent turmoil, CBS News maintains a prominent position in American broadcast journalism, rooted in its historic legacy from the radio era to the present day. The network’s enduring reputation was notably established during Walter Cronkite’s tenure as anchor, solidifying its stature as a trusted news institution.
