Paramount CEO David Ellison Pledges Editorial Independence for ‘60 Minutes’
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- David Ellison, Paramount's CEO, assured "60 Minutes" correspondent Lesley Stahl of his commitment to respecting the show's editorial independence amid recent turmoil at CBS News.
- The call came after the firing of the show's leadership and several star correspondents, including Scott Pelley, who publicly criticized the network's overhaul led by editor in chief Bari Weiss.
- Stahl, along with remaining stars Bill Whitaker and Jon Wertheim, decided to stay with the program despite concerns, expressing a desire to prevent "60 Minutes" from dying.
- Ellison's leadership at Paramount has raised questions due to his friendly ties with former President Trump and his aim for CBS News to appeal to a broad political spectrum, including center-right and center-left Americans.