Massive Talent Overhaul Looming at "60 Minutes"
/
The most prestigious news program on television, “60 Minutes,” is on the brink of a major talent shake-up, fueled by the arrival of new CBS News editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss. Insiders suggest the clock is ticking for several star correspondents as Weiss seeks to restore "balance" to the iconic broadcast, which some high-level sources believe has drifted too far left.
The changes are driven by the network's desire to refocus "60 Minutes" on hard-hitting, investigative journalism and away from what critics dismiss as "soft entertainment pieces" and "afternoon cable fare."
Several long-time correspondents are rumored to be top targets for removal:
Scott Pelley (68): The anchor drew attention after an on-air tirade this summer, slamming then-CBS owner Paramount Skydance for settling a $16 million claim with President Trump over the alleged deceptive editing of a Kamala Harris interview. His vocal defiance has reportedly placed him on Weiss’s radar.
Bill Whitaker (74): The correspondent who conducted the controversial Harris interview may also be vulnerable. He faced internal criticism for allegedly using "softball questions" and failing to properly vet the material that aired.
A CBS source noted that age could be a factor in the looming overhaul, stating, “Most of the show’s correspondents and its viewers are geriatric,” citing the ages of Pelley and Whitaker.
Adding another layer to the potential staff changes is Tanya Simon, who became “60 Minutes” executive producer in a tumultuous, Trump-related reshuffle this summer. Simon reportedly agrees with Weiss's assessment that the program has "gone soft." A well-placed source indicated that Simon was already looking to shuffle personnel and make the show "more hard hitting" even before Weiss's arrival.
The talent reshuffle is not a simple clear-out, however. Despite being 83, Lesley Stahl—who famously rebuffed a demand from President Trump to apologize last year—is said to be considered a "treasure" by Weiss and may keep her role for the foreseeable future, defying retirement speculation.
The overall objective of the talent shift is to return "60 Minutes" to its roots as the "investigative arm of CBS News."Sources lament that the program has devolved into "the headquarters of book and movie launches" rather than the home of the investigative journalism exemplified by Mike Wallace.
To underscore this push, Weiss has reportedly reached out to former CBS News investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge, suggesting that the network is serious about bringing back veteran journalists known for their aggressive reporting.
With Weiss and CBS News president Tom Cibrowski also mulling network-wide changes, including potential cuts to high-paid talent like "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King, one source summarized the mood: “Big changes are coming.”
