EXCLUSIVE: ’60 Minutes’ Chaos Erupts! New CBS Boss Bari Weiss ‘Messing’ With Legendary Program Has ‘Broken’ It Beyond Repair
The Tumultuous Transformation of ’60 Minutes’ Under Bari Weiss
Since Bari Weiss assumed leadership at CBS News, her tenure has been marked by controversy and upheaval. Tasked with steering the network in a new direction, Weiss’s approach—often described as “anti-woke”—has unsettled both employees and audiences. Nowhere is this more evident than in the turmoil surrounding CBS’s flagship news program, 60 Minutes.
For decades, 60 Minutes has been a cornerstone of investigative journalism, renowned for its in-depth reporting and compelling storytelling. However, Weiss’s recent interventions have raised alarms about the program’s future. Staff insiders and viewers alike have voiced concerns that her management style and editorial decisions have “broken” the show beyond repair.
Staff and Viewer Backlash: A Newsroom in Revolt
Almost immediately after Weiss took charge, she initiated sweeping personnel changes, dismissing employees who questioned her vision. Those who remained reportedly operated under a cloud of fear, wary of losing their positions. This atmosphere of tension culminated in a significant revolt within the newsroom.
One flashpoint was Weiss’s decision to shelve a hard-hitting 60 Minutes segment by correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi. The report detailed the harrowing experiences of Venezuelan deportees sent to El Salvador’s maximum-security prison—a story that aligned with the program’s tradition of fearless journalism. The shelving of this segment sparked outrage among staff and viewers, many of whom saw it as a betrayal of the show’s core values.
The delayed airing of Alfonsi’s piece on January 18 failed to regain momentum, attracting only about 5.1 million viewers—down significantly from the program’s usual nearly 9 million weekly audience. Industry insiders expressed bewilderment at Weiss’s interference with the network’s highest-rated show, questioning why she would risk destabilizing such a valuable asset.
High-Profile Correspondents and the Future of ’60 Minutes’
The discord extends beyond editorial choices. Sharyn Alfonsi’s outspoken criticism of Weiss’s decisions has put her position in jeopardy. Reports suggest that fellow correspondents Scott Pelley and Anderson Cooper are also under scrutiny, facing uncertain futures amid the leadership shake-up.
Moreover, the upheaval at CBS News is not limited to 60 Minutes. Gayle King’s long-standing role on CBS Mornings, noted for her liberal commentary, is rumored to be at risk, signaling a broader cultural shift under Weiss’s direction. An executive insider remarked that King’s departure would symbolize the full establishment of the “Bari era.”
What This Means for CBS and Its Viewers
The internal strife at CBS News highlights a broader struggle over the network’s identity and editorial direction. Weiss’s efforts to reshape the newsroom have alienated many veteran journalists who feel their integrity and legacy are being questioned. The resulting atmosphere has been described as a “war zone,” with staff members whispering anxiously about who might be next to leave.
For viewers, the changes have translated into a noticeable decline in trust and engagement with 60 Minutes. The program’s reputation as a bastion of balanced, rigorous journalism is at stake, and the network faces the challenge of restoring confidence among its audience.
Conclusion: The Crossroads of Tradition and Change at CBS News
Bari Weiss’s leadership at CBS News has undeniably sparked one of the most dramatic periods of change in the network’s recent history. While her vision aims to redefine the organization’s editorial stance, the fallout—especially within 60 Minutes—raises critical questions about the cost of such transformation. As the legendary program grapples with internal revolt and declining viewership, CBS must decide whether to preserve its storied legacy or embrace a controversial new path.
If you’re a fan of 60 Minutes or concerned about the future of investigative journalism, stay informed and share your thoughts on how CBS can navigate this pivotal moment. Your voice matters in shaping the future of trusted news reporting.
