CBS News' 60 Minutes Executive Producer Nick Bilton Issues Staff Memo Amid Rumors

Executive producer Nick Bilton sent a 734‑word internal memo to the 60 Minutes staff after the July break, outlining newsroom updates ahead of the September 20 season premiere. He announced new hires—including associate producer Tanya Lukyanova, investigative producer Michael Kaplan on loan from CBS News, and data‑reporting specialist Scott Pham—along with a digital storyboard to replace the old dry‑erase board. Bilton urged employees to ignore the daily rumors that have surrounded the program since he took over in May, stating that “95 percent of them are fabrications and blatantly incorrect,” and asked staff to bring any concerns directly to him.

The memo also emphasized in‑person collaboration and reminded the team that the show is 43 days from its Season 59 debut. In parallel, media reports have noted speculation that former 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens is exploring a $50 million fundraising effort to launch a new news program with former correspondents, though Owens has denied the claim. The discussion highlights ongoing turbulence within CBS News as it navigates leadership changes and staff turnover.