“60 Minutes” faces a ticking clock in multiple respects, more than its new leader may anticipate.
Last week, CBS News’ Editor in Chief, Bari Weiss, appointed Nick Bilton to helm the iconic newsmagazine as it embarks on its 59th season, a decision made at a pivotal time. Bilton, who transitioned from technology reporting to screenwriting and documentary production, must quickly adapt to the program’s demands without prior experience in overseeing a large journalistic team or a television broadcast entity. The show is under significant pressure to produce its detailed reports in time for the September broadcasts.
“The show airs one day, one night, one hour a week, and I see an incredible opportunity to expand its reach,” Bilton stated in an interview with Variety last week.
Bilton has advocated for increased content production at a time when many knowledgeable individuals have unexpectedly departed. The 58th season of “60 Minutes” concluded with seven correspondents, but now only four remain. Anderson Cooper announced his departure in February after nearly two decades as a contributor. CBS News recently dismissed correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, as well as executive editor Draggan Mihailovich, known for his cinematic storytelling approach, and producers Guy Campanile and Matthew Poelvoy. Perhaps the most significant departure is Tanya Simon, who became the first woman to lead “60 Minutes” as executive producer just last year.
Although Bilton has not disclosed staffing plans, he is currently operating with reduced on-screen talent. The future roles of the show’s veterans — Scott Pelley, Lesley Stahl, and Bill Whitaker — remain uncertain. Sources suggest these three want “60” to continue and may consider staying if it supports the show’s survival. However, they find recent changes, described by insiders as “inhumane” and “not strategic,” troubling. None of the three responded to requests for comment on the show’s direction. Jon Wertheim, another roster member, was unavailable for comment on Monday.
At a staff meeting on Monday, Pelley criticized Bilton, asserting that both Bilton and Weiss lack the credentials to lead the program, with Weiss allegedly “destroying” it. CBS News did not comment on these remarks. CBS News managers have reportedly reached out to Pelley and other correspondents recently.
Although Bilton’s experience is questioned, he has founded his own production company and engaged in screenwriting and documentary work. Noah Oppenheim, another former broadcast-news executive, returned to NBC News after working in Hollywood, eventually becoming president of NBC News.
Bilton faces the challenge of boosting morale among “60 Minutes” staff. For months, sources claim producers have “self-censored,” avoiding topics likely to draw criticism from Weiss or corporate, feeling unsupported by the media company.
“In recent months, my teams have faced efforts to introduce political bias in our stories. They’ve hesitated to pitch stories on significant topics due to potential internal backlash,” Vega stated following her dismissal. “This is both imposed and self-imposed censorship, which is dangerous for the show and democracy.”
Under previous management, Paramount used the program as leverage with the Trump administration, settling a $16 million lawsuit related to a pre-Election Day interview with Whitaker and former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. This settlement, aimed at facilitating the sale to Skydance, led to the departures of senior CBS News executives Bill Owens and Wendy McMahon.
In late 2025, Weiss complicated matters by intervening in a story about migrants sent to harsh conditions in El Salvador, delaying its release for further comment from Trump officials. The segment aired in January 2026, with Weiss admitting her unfamiliarity with the news outlet’s operations drew unnecessary attention.
Despite the rise of social media and digital influencers as news sources, “60 Minutes” remains a phenomenon. Weekly viewership can reach up to 10 million, bolstered by its Sunday evening slot following CBS’ NFL broadcasts. Nielsen data shows a 9% increase in overall season viewership.
Weiss is wagering that Bilton can attract new viewers without alienating loyal fans. However, some familiar with the show fear the executives underestimate the depth of reporting and meticulous preparation required for each segment. Recent scrutiny has intensified, with additional layers of fact-checking and standards implemented by corporate.
Bilton assumes leadership of a costly enterprise. Sources indicate “60 Minutes” correspondents can earn up to $5 million annually, with lesser amounts for less experienced personnel. The executive producer’s salary is around $2.5 million, while the executive editor earns about $1 million. Each correspondent typically collaborates with multiple senior producers, earning between $200,000 and $300,000 annually. Associate producers may earn up to $150,000. Estimated production costs for each story, including travel, research, and photography, are around $75,000.
CBS News did not comment on these financial figures.
In both 2024 and 2025, the newsmagazine generated between $67 million and $69 million in advertising revenue, ranking 11th among CBS shows. “60 Minutes” is a reliable platform for top sponsors in the healthcare and pharmaceuticals sector, with advertisers like Rinvoq, Clairtin, Skyrizi, and Vabismo in 2026.
Monetary concerns may be driving factors. As ad dollars shift to digital media, “60 Minutes” faces substantial expenses. Recently, other CBS News anchors, including Major Garrett, have taken on significant “60” assignments, with expectations that more CBS News staff may contribute to the newsmagazine. Jennifer Mayerle from CBS’ WCCO in Minneapolis contributed to “CBS Sunday Morning” in 2024. Under Weiss, “60 Minutes” has pursued timely reports tied to major news events, a practice that drew criticism under former executive producer Owens for focusing too much on Trump and his policies.
The primary advantage for “60 Minutes” is its preceding sports broadcast in the fall and winter. Competitors have struggled to create a similar counterpart due to the lack of a comparable lead-in to the NFL. The post-NFL slot provides a unique platform for “60 Minutes,” as noted by someone familiar with CBS News’ business dynamics.
NBC, having launched newsmagazines like “Rock Center,” “On Assignment,” and “Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly” in the past, now lacks Sunday space for news due to rights deals with the NFL, NBA, and Major League Baseball. NBC News, ABC News, and MS NOW are not exploring new newsmagazine launches. CNN, however, offers a similar Sunday show with Warner Bros. Discovery’s “The Whole Story,” launched in 2023, which focuses on one topic each week.
Some CBS News staff believe “60 Minutes” needs a revamp. They argue the show has become too refined and lacks the on-screen drama of former correspondent Mike Wallace. Others took pleasure in learning that the newsmagazine would move from its West 57th Street headquarters to join the rest of the news division across the street. Past efforts to expand the program, such as a second hour on Wednesdays or digital spin-offs, haven’t endured.
However, some attribute the “60” overhaul to a Paramount management lacking courage to confront powerful figures. “Fearless, independent reporting has always been the standard at ’60 Minutes,'” Alfonsi stated last week. “CBS management is abandoning that mission, opting for access journalism over accountability and shielding power instead of examining it.”
“If this persists,” she continued, “the result will be a broadcast that resembles ’60 Minutes’ but lacks the courage and character to produce meaningful journalism.”
If Bilton and Weiss can rejuvenate the staff, diversify “60 Minutes'” offerings, and sustain the original program’s quality and ratings, it will be a significant achievement. Weiss is still working on her track record. Her revamp of “CBS Evening News” has resulted in an uneven new phase for the evening news program. “CBS Mornings” has seen viewer numbers drop, and the “Things That Matter” series has struggled to gain momentum.
Meanwhile, the “60 Minutes” stopwatch keeps ticking.
