CBS's 60 Minutes undergoes major staff departures and retention pledge

CBS News announced the firing of four long‑time 60 Minutes correspondents – Scott Pelley, Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega – along with senior producer Tanya Simon and other key staff. The move was overseen by editor‑in‑chief Bari Weiss, who also appointed former tech columnist Nick Bilton as the new executive producer, replacing Simon.

Amid the upheaval, veteran correspondents Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker and Jon Wertheim issued a joint memo stating they will remain for Season 59, which begins in September, to “repair and preserve” the show’s reputation. They praised Bilton’s commitment to editorial independence and warned against a newsroom run “like a dictatorship.” The trio emphasized their loyalty to the audience and the 60 Minutes team.

The staff changes have raised concerns about the future of the long‑running newsmagazine, which averaged 9.1 million viewers per episode in its latest season. CBS has not yet clarified the roles of veteran anchors Lesley Stahl and Bill Whitaker, whose continued involvement remains uncertain.