CBS News insiders fear Bari Weiss will soon enact ‘massive changes’ to 60 Minutes

Key Points:

• The 12 April episode of CBS’s 60 Minutes attracted 10.1 million viewers, maintaining its status as the most-watched news program this broadcast season despite a general decline in traditional TV viewership.
• The upcoming 59th season will be the first fully overseen by new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, who has sparked concerns among CBS News staff about potential significant changes and layoffs, though the show’s core format and mission are expected to remain intact.
• Notable correspondents Anderson Cooper and likely Sharyn Alfonsi are leaving or being pushed out, with Alfonsi publicly criticizing corporate interference and editorial censorship, raising fears of a chilling effect on journalistic independence at the show.
• CBS insiders anticipate possible expanded roles for journalists like Norah O’Donnell, while longtime correspondents Lesley Stahl and Scott Pelley are expected to stay, despite ongoing internal tensions and external criticism regarding editorial decisions.
• Despite leadership changes and controversies, 60 Minutes’ journalism continues to be strong according to insiders, though many worry that Bari Weiss’s increased involvement and corporate pressures could alter the show’s historic editorial independence and reputation.