CBS’s “60 Minutes” has announced a new lineup of correspondents and contributors ahead of its 59th season. This follows a significant reshuffle two months ago. Among the new faces are Ross Douthat from The New York Times and former CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell.
Nick Bilton, the new executive producer, revealed the changes in a memo shared with staff. Sebastian Junger, Trevor Phillips, and Gianna Toboni will also join the team as contributors. These journalists add to the existing team of Lesley Stahl, Jon Wertheim, and Bill Whitaker.
The changes come on the heels of a shakeup led by CBS’s new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. Weiss appointed Bilton, despite his limited broadcast news experience, to replace Tanya Simon, who departed after more than 30 years. The changes also saw the exit of correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, and Scott Pelley after disagreements with management. Anderson Cooper also announced his departure earlier this year, deciding to focus on his role at CNN.
In a memo to staff, Weiss and CBS News President Tom Cibrowski expressed enthusiasm about the new hires. Bilton praised Douthat as a leading public intellectual and lauded O’Donnell for her extensive experience across the network. Junger was commended for his impactful nonfiction storytelling, notably “The Perfect Storm.”
Gianna Toboni joins as a national correspondent, having previously worked with VICE News and CNN. Her investigative journalism includes interviews with ISIS members and probing cartel violence in Mexico. Trevor Phillips, newly added as the senior global affairs correspondent, is noted for his respected position in UK journalism.
The program has faced turmoil over the past year, exacerbated by a lawsuit from former President Donald Trump regarding an edited interview with Kamala Harris. This incident contributed to broader changes at CBS News after Weiss assumed her role, following David Ellison’s leadership elevation at Paramount.
These changes mark a new era for “60 Minutes” as CBS aims to strengthen its iconic news program amid ongoing challenges and transformations.