David Ellison Promises ‘60 Minutes’ Editorial Independence
The Hollywood Reporter • • entertainment
Key Points:
- David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, assured 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl of the program's editorial independence during a recent phone call, aiming to reassure staff amid recent upheavals.
- Lesley Stahl, now 84, held a champagne toast at the 60 Minutes offices to boost morale, referring to the remaining team members as "survivors" amid significant staff changes.
- The show has seen the departure of several top producers and correspondents, including Tanya Simon, Scott Pelley, Cecilia Vega, and Sharyn Alfonsi, leaving Stahl, Jon Wertheim, and Bill Whitaker as the only remaining correspondents.
- New executive producer Nick Bilton, who lacks television news experience, plans to bring in specialist correspondents and emphasized journalistic independence in a recent memo to staff.
- The future stability and viewer engagement of 60 Minutes remain uncertain as the remaining correspondents prepare for the upcoming 59th season under new leadership.