The CBS News program ’60 Minutes’ has faced significant upheaval, but three of its remaining correspondents, Lesley Stahl, Jon Wertheim, and Bill Whitaker, have decided to stay on. Their decision comes despite recent disruptions, including the firing of several colleagues. A memo from the correspondents, obtained by The Associated Press, expressed their discontent and sadness over the dismissals.
The firings were executed by the new CBS News editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, and Nick Bilton, the new executive producer. Tanya Simon, a veteran with over 30 years at ’60 Minutes’, was replaced by Bilton. Other correspondents, Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, were also let go. Additionally, Scott Pelley was dismissed following a confrontation with CBS News executives.
In their memo, the three correspondents voiced sorrow for their colleagues, describing them as principled and honest journalists treated poorly. However, they conveyed their intention to build trust with the new leadership. The memo hinted at a possibility of future departures if they could not continue their work as independent journalists.
“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 correspondents wrote. “If not, we leave.”
The decision of the correspondents to stay is crucial for Nick Bilton’s plans to stabilize the show for its upcoming season in September. ’60 Minutes’ has lost four correspondents; Anderson Cooper also announced his departure to focus on his work at CNN after two decades with the program.
Turmoil at ’60 Minutes’ has persisted for over a year. Challenges increased after former President Donald Trump sued the show over the editing of a 2024 interview with Kamala Harris. The lawsuit was part of extensive changes at CBS News following the appointment of Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief by Paramount, the parent company. The network’s merger with Skydance and the subsequent $16 million settlement of Trump’s lawsuit caused further unrest.
These disruptions also led to the departure of longtime CBS late-night host Stephen Colbert, who criticized the settlement as unfair. CBS News, once a cornerstone of trusted journalism, has been facing major changes, including the cessation of its radio operations announced by Bari Weiss earlier this year.