They’re staying.
Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim have announced in a memo on Friday their decision to continue with “60 Minutes.” This move comes amid turbulence at the CBS News program following the removal of key producers and correspondents, including executive producer Tanya Simon, executive editor Draggan Mihailovich, Sharyn Alfonsi, Cecilia Vega, and most recently, Scott Pelley.
“We have decided to stay on,” the group confirmed.
Despite their decision, the trio expressed their concerns over recent events at the established newsmagazine. “We have struggled with whether to remain at ’60 Minutes.’ The dismissals of Tanya and Draggan, whom everyone respected as strong leaders, deeply upset us. From what we understand—since no explanation was provided—they were removed for defending our ’60 Minutes’ values and safeguarding our independence and integrity,” they stated. The journalists added, “Newsrooms should not operate like dictatorships. Collaboration and debate have always been integral to our work at ’60.’ Don Hewitt even encouraged passionate advocacy for our pieces.”
The “60 Minutes” team has been unsettled by choices made by CBS News senior executives, led by Bari Weiss, the division’s editor in chief. While there is recognition of her ambition to broaden the show’s scope beyond its usual Sunday-night slot, the strategy of dismissing prominent journalists, including Pelley, remains unclear to many.
According to a CBS News staffer, the three correspondents might view themselves as protectors of the “60 Minutes” journalistic legacy. Economic factors may also be influencing the situation. “There is a sense of duty among those staying to ensure the show gets back on track, allowing everyone to continue meaningful work and, practically speaking, maintain their jobs,” the staffer noted.
Keeping Stahl, Whitaker, and Wertheim involved is considered vital for Weiss and Nick Bilton, who was recently appointed the new executive producer. Without them, the fall season would lack familiar faces, and the program would have no on-air staff prepared to present stories in time for the new season.
CBS News plans to support Stahl, Whitaker, and Wertheim with contributions from other CBS News anchors, such as Norah O’Donnell. Additional contributions have come from other staffers, including Washington correspondent Major Garrett in recent weeks.
The return of Stahl, Whitaker, and Wertheim is also expected to alleviate any reluctance among CBS News staff about participating in the program, as noted by a CBS News staff member. “You don’t want to be perceived as disregarding the contributions of those who built the show,” they remarked.
More to come…
