CBS News Boss Bari Weiss Eyes Major Shakeup at ‘60 Minutes’ — and Star Anchors Could Get the Ax
Bari Weiss Plans a Bold Overhaul of ‘60 Minutes’
CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss is gearing up for a major transformation of the legendary news magazine “60 Minutes.” Sources reveal that Weiss, who was recently appointed to restore balance and vigor to CBS News, is considering significant personnel changes that could see some of the show’s veteran anchors lose their positions. This shakeup is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the program’s investigative journalism roots and address concerns that the show has softened its approach over recent years.
Weiss, 41, was brought in to recalibrate CBS News’ editorial direction, with insiders suggesting she believes “60 Minutes” has drifted too far left and away from the hard-hitting journalism that once defined it. The proposed changes reflect her commitment to restoring the show’s reputation as a bastion of rigorous, fearless reporting.
Targeting Veteran Anchors and Shifting Editorial Focus
Among the rumored targets of Weiss’s overhaul is Scott Pelley, a longtime anchor who has recently been outspoken in his criticism of CBS’s handling of controversies, including a $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump over a Kamala Harris interview. Bill Whitaker, the correspondent behind that contentious interview, is also reportedly on the chopping block due to criticism over his softer interview style and lack of rigorous vetting.
Sources close to CBS News note that many of the show’s correspondents and viewers skew older, with Pelley and Whitaker aged 68 and 74, respectively. Weiss’s vision appears to include bringing in younger, more dynamic talent to reinvigorate the program and attract a broader audience.
However, not all veteran anchors are expected to be dismissed. Lesley Stahl, 83, who has been regarded as a “treasure” by Weiss, may retain her role despite retirement rumors. Stahl’s reputation for tough journalism and her recent refusal to apologize for dismissing Hunter Biden’s laptop story have earned her respect within the network.
Executive Producer Tanya Simon’s Role in the Shakeup
Tanya Simon, who took over as executive producer of “60 Minutes” following a tumultuous reshuffle, appears to align with Weiss’s desire to make the show more hard-hitting. Simon, daughter of the late correspondent Bob Simon, has expressed frustration with the show’s increasing focus on softer, entertainment-style segments. She reportedly supports cutting back on these lighter pieces to restore the program’s investigative edge.
Despite these internal shifts, neither Simon nor representatives from “60 Minutes” have publicly commented on the rumored changes. Industry insiders lament that the show has become more of a platform for book and movie promotions rather than the investigative powerhouse it once was, famously led by Mike Wallace.
Reviving Investigative Journalism at CBS News
The overhaul at “60 Minutes” is part of a larger effort by Bari Weiss and CBS News president Tom Cibrowski to bring back the network’s investigative journalism legacy. Weiss has reportedly reached out to former CBS investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge, known for her hard-hitting stories on Hunter Biden’s laptop, signaling a renewed focus on in-depth reporting.
A CBS News executive noted that the investigative unit has diminished over time, with “60 Minutes” traditionally serving as the network’s investigative arm. The current season’s opening episodes, featuring lighter stories such as a call for unity by Utah’s governor and a casual interview with UFC president Dana White, have been criticized internally for lacking the gravitas expected from the show.
The network is also contemplating broader personnel changes beyond “60 Minutes.” High-profile anchors like “CBS Mornings” co-host Gayle King, who commands a substantial salary, are reportedly under review as part of cost-cutting and strategic realignment efforts. Major headcount reductions are expected to be announced soon, signaling a period of significant transition at CBS News.
Upcoming Departures and Future Anchors
In a recent development, CBS confirmed that “CBS Evening News” co-anchor John Dickerson will retire at the end of the year. Insiders anticipate that his co-anchor Maurice DuBois may also step down as Weiss and Cibrowski evaluate potential new anchors to lead the network’s flagship news program.
These changes underscore the sweeping nature of the shakeup Weiss envisions, aiming to refresh CBS News’s on-air talent and editorial direction to better compete in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Conclusion
Bari Weiss’s planned shakeup at “60 Minutes” represents a pivotal moment for CBS News as it seeks to reclaim its reputation for hard-hitting investigative journalism. With veteran anchors potentially facing dismissal and a renewed focus on rigorous reporting, the network is poised for significant change. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story and how it will reshape one of television’s most iconic news programs.
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