Bari Weiss Overhauls '60 Minutes' with Outsider Nick Bilton Amid Staff Firings
CBS News chief Bari Weiss appointed tech writer Nick Bilton as executive producer of '60 Minutes,' replacing 30-year veteran Tanya Simon. The shake-up included firing correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, and cutting ties with executive editor Draggan Mihailovich. Alfonsi alleged retaliation for protesting the suppression of her El Salvador megaprison story. The moves follow a $16 million Trump lawsuit settlement and departures of Anderson Cooper and Scott Pelley, sparking staff "existential dread" over the show's direction.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Scott Pelley Fired After Accusing CBS of Plotting to 'Murder' 60 Minutes for Trump
Veteran CBS correspondent Scott Pelley was fired after a heated all-hands meeting with new 60 Minutes executive producer Nick Bilton. Pelley accused Bilton and Free Press founder Bari Weiss, now running CBS News, of trying to 'murder' the iconic news program as a favor to President Trump, citing CBS's billionaire owners Larry and David Ellison needing Trump's approval for their Warner Bros. Discovery takeover. Pelley claimed Weiss pushed him to add a Trumpian spin to a report on anti-ICE protests, demanding protesters be made to look 'more violent' and falsely claim a protester was 'driving toward' the officer who shot her. Pelley later debunked Weiss's rationalizations about digital revamping, noting viewership rose 9% last season and online views 190%. Critics argue Pelley's public humiliation of Bilton was insubordinate, while supporters see him as a defender of accountability journalism. The incident highlights tensions between traditional broadcast news and digital transformation, with the average 60 Minutes viewer now 65.
TheWeek feedCBS News Turmoil: Scott Pelley Fired After Confrontation Over Political Interference at 60 Minutes
Veteran CBS correspondent Scott Pelley was fired after publicly confronting new 60 Minutes executive producer Nick Bilton and Free Press founder Bari Weiss over the dismissal of several senior staff members on 'Black Thursday.' Pelley accused Bilton and Weiss of attempting to 'murder' the iconic news program as a favor to President Trump, citing CBS owners' need for Trump's approval in their Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition. He further alleged Weiss demanded he impart a 'Trumpian spin' to a report on anti-ICE protests. Pelley's pushback came during an all-hands meeting where he mocked Bilton's credentials. The article presents multiple perspectives: some view Pelley as a hero for accountability journalism, while others criticize his insubordination and lefty self-righteousness. The piece discusses 60 Minutes' aging audience (average 65), declining broadcast TV viewership, and concerns about editorial independence under new ownership.
TheWeek feedMedia: A plot to ‘murder’ ‘60 Minutes’?
Veteran CBS correspondent Scott Pelley was fired after publicly confronting new 60 Minutes executive producer Nick Bilton over the dismissal of senior staff, including Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega. Pelley accused Bilton and Bari Weiss, the Free Press founder now running CBS News, of trying to 'murder' the show as a favor to President Trump, citing CBS's billionaire owners Larry and David Ellison needing Trump's approval for their Warner Bros. Discovery takeover. Pelley also alleged Weiss pushed him to add a Trumpian spin to a report on anti-ICE protests. The article presents multiple perspectives: some argue Pelley's behavior was insubordinate, while others see his actions as defending journalistic integrity. The show's aging audience (average age 65) and declining broadcast TV viewership are noted as context for proposed changes, with staff fearing mismanagement could accelerate the decline.
TheWeek feedEx-60 Minutes Staff Criticize Bari Weiss's Leadership and Restructuring
Bari Weiss, overseeing CBS's 60 Minutes, has faced intense backlash from former staff after a series of aggressive personnel changes. She fired executive producer Tanya Simon, correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, and executive editor Draggan Mihailovich, while appointing Nick Bilton, a former Vanity Fair columnist with no broadcast experience, as the show's leader. Veteran correspondent Scott Pelley was subsequently fired after questioning Bilton's appointment in a staff meeting. Former staffers, including 25-year producer Rome Hartman, described the restructuring as destructive, comparing it to using a machete for a facelift. Longtime correspondent Steve Kroft predicted Weiss's tenure would be short-lived due to the pending merger between CBS's parent company Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, stating that everything she has touched has turned to shit and that she is fulfilling other people's agendas.
The New RepublicEx-60 Minutes Staff Criticize Bari Weiss's Leadership and Restructuring
Bari Weiss, overseeing CBS's 60 Minutes, has faced intense backlash from former staff after a series of abrupt firings and appointments. Late last month, she fired executive producer Tanya Simon, correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, and executive editor Draggan Mihailovich, while appointing Nick Bilton, a former Vanity Fair columnist with no TV broadcast experience, to lead the program. The following week, veteran correspondent Scott Pelley was fired after questioning Bilton's appointment in a staff meeting. Former staffers, including 25-year producer Rome Hartman, described the restructuring as destructive, comparing it to using a machete for a facelift. Longtime correspondent Steve Kroft predicted Weiss's tenure would be short-lived due to the pending merger between CBS parent Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, stating that everything she has touched has turned to shit and that she lacks talent for the role.
The New RepublicEx-60 Minutes Staff Criticize Bari Weiss's Leadership and Restructuring
Bari Weiss, overseeing CBS's 60 Minutes, has faced intense backlash from former staff after a series of abrupt firings and restructuring decisions. Late last month, Weiss fired executive producer Tanya Simon, correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, and executive editor Draggan Mihailovich. She then appointed Nick Bilton, a former Vanity Fair columnist with no TV broadcast experience, to lead the program. The following week, veteran correspondent Scott Pelley was fired after questioning Bilton's appointment in a staff meeting. Former staffers, including 25-year producer Rome Hartman, described the changes as destructive and poorly managed. Longtime correspondent Steve Kroft predicted Weiss's tenure would end soon due to the pending merger between CBS parent Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, stating that everything Weiss has touched has 'turned to shit.' The article paints a picture of internal chaos and declining morale at the iconic newsmagazine.
The New RepublicUS news show '60 Minutes': Tough and not fair
The article reports on the upheaval at the iconic CBS news program '60 Minutes' as of June 2026. Veteran correspondent Scott Pelley and several distinguished colleagues were fired after a contentious staff meeting with new boss Nick Bilton, a Millennial with limited TV journalism experience. Bilton argued the show is outdated, despite record viewership and Emmy wins. Pelley accused Bilton of 'slaughtering' the program. The article suggests the real motive may be political, linked to new CBS leadership under Bari Weiss, and frames the episode as a loss for US press freedom, noting a lack of public outcry.
taz.de - taz.deUS news show '60 Minutes': Tough and unfair
The article reports on the upheaval at the legendary CBS news program '60 Minutes' as of June 2026. Veteran anchor Scott Pelley was fired after confronting new boss Nick Bilton over the dismissal of esteemed colleagues Cecilia Vega and Sharyn Alfonsi. Bilton, a Millennial with no TV journalism experience, argued the show is outdated. Despite record viewership and Emmy wins, the new leadership is overhauling the program. The author, Sebastian Moll of taz.de, argues this represents a political attack on press freedom, noting that new CBS boss Bari Weiss also lacks television production experience. The future of the 58-year-old investigative journalism institution is uncertain.
taz.de - taz.deScott Pelley Faces Conservative Backlash Over New York Times Interview After CBS Firing
Scott Pelley, a longtime '60 Minutes' correspondent fired by CBS News last week after criticizing its new leadership, is facing scorn from conservatives following a New York Times interview. During the emotional interview, Pelley fought back tears as he described being fired by top CBS bosses and accused corporate leadership of altering news coverage. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the veteran journalist and the network's management, as well as the political polarization surrounding media figures.
Just In NewsScott Pelley Says Bari Weiss Put 'Thumb on the Scale' at CBS News
Former '60 Minutes' correspondent Scott Pelley, in a New York Times interview after being fired, accused CBS News editorial chief Bari Weiss of political interference. Pelley said Weiss requested post-deadline changes to a report on an ICE killing in Minneapolis, including making protesters look more violent and describing a victim's car as driving toward an officer, aligning with the president's narrative. He called this unprecedented political influence in his 37-year CBS career. A CBS News spokesperson denied political motivation, saying Weiss sought to make the piece 'strong, fair and accurate.' Pelley, who said he didn't expect to be fired after criticizing Weiss at a staff meeting, argued she should be removed, stating 'CBS News is on fire.'
TheWeek feedScott Pelley Accuses CBS News Editor Bari Weiss of Political Bias After Firing
Former '60 Minutes' correspondent Scott Pelley, in a New York Times interview after being fired, accused CBS News editorial chief Bari Weiss of putting a 'thumb on the scale' for the president's version of events. Pelley said Weiss requested post-deadline changes to a report on an ICE killing in Minneapolis, including making protesters look more violent and describing a victim's car as driving toward an officer, which he said contradicted video evidence. A CBS News spokesperson denied political motivation, saying Weiss sought to make the piece 'strong, fair and accurate.' Pelley, who had 37 years at CBS, called for Weiss's removal, stating 'CBS News is on fire.' The article highlights internal tensions over editorial independence and political influence at the network.
TheWeek feedScott Pelley Accuses Bari Weiss of Pro-Trump Bias at CBS News
Veteran CBS News correspondent Scott Pelley, fired after 37 years, publicly accused editor-in-chief Bari Weiss of putting 'a thumb on the scale' for President Donald Trump. In interviews and his resignation letter, Pelley alleged Weiss instructed staff to inject falsehoods and bias into reporting. Specific incidents include Weiss asking 60 Minutes to portray protesters as more violent during an ICE operation in Minnesota, and requesting that a story describe a protester's car as veering toward an agent despite video evidence to the contrary. The article also notes Weiss pulled a 60 Minutes report on Venezuelan deportees to El Salvador's CECOT prison, which reporter Sharyn Alfonsi called a 'political' decision. The turmoil has led to the firing of executive producer Tanya Simon, the departure of Anderson Cooper, and Pelley's dismissal after he criticized the new management.
The New RepublicScott Pelley Accuses Bari Weiss of Pro-Trump Bias at CBS News
Scott Pelley, a longtime 60 Minutes correspondent, was fired from CBS after months of conflict with editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. In his resignation letter and subsequent interviews, Pelley alleged that Weiss instructed him to inject falsehoods and bias into his reporting, specifically favoring President Donald Trump's narrative. Pelley claimed Weiss asked producers to make protesters appear more violent during an ICE operation in Minnesota and to falsely describe a protester's car as veering toward an agent, contradicting video evidence. Weiss also pulled a 60 Minutes report on Venezuelans deported to El Salvador's CECOT prison, which reporter Sharyn Alfonsi called a political decision. The turmoil has led to the departure of Anderson Cooper and the firing of executive producer Tanya Simon, replaced by tech journalist Nick Bilton. Pelley's criticism of Bilton in a staff meeting led to his own firing.
The New RepublicScott Pelley Accuses Bari Weiss of Pro-Trump Bias at CBS News
Longtime CBS News correspondent Scott Pelley was fired after accusing new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss of injecting bias into reporting. In a resignation letter and subsequent interview, Pelley claimed Weiss instructed staff to portray protesters as more violent during an ICE operation in Minnesota and to misrepresent a protester's death to align with President Trump's narrative. Pelley also cited the pulling of a 60 Minutes report on Venezuelan deportees to El Salvador's CECOT prison, which reporter Sharyn Alfonsi called a political decision. The turmoil has led to the departure of Anderson Cooper and the firing of executive producer Tanya Simon, replaced by tech journalist Nick Bilton. Pelley's criticism of Bilton in a staff meeting reportedly led to his termination.
The New RepublicScott Pelley Accuses CBS News Editor Bari Weiss of Pro-Trump Bias in Coverage
Fired '60 Minutes' correspondent Scott Pelley alleges that CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss is directing coverage to favor the Trump administration's version of events. In an interview with The New York Times podcast 'The Interview,' Pelley detailed an incident where Weiss allegedly requested changes to a February story about ICE operations in Minnesota, including making protesters appear more violent and describing a victim's car as driving toward an officer, contradicting video evidence. Pelley was fired last week after clashing with new '60 Minutes' executive producer Nick Bilton, whom Weiss appointed. CBS News denies any political motivation, stating Weiss's editorial suggestions were made solely to improve accuracy and fairness. The conflict follows Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Weiss's outlet, The Free Press, in October.
All Content from Business InsiderLast three '60 Minutes' correspondents say they are staying amid CBS News turmoil
Lesley Stahl, Jon Wertheim, and Bill Whitaker, the three remaining correspondents at CBS News' '60 Minutes,' announced they will stay for now, expressing anger over recent firings but a desire to keep the show alive. The firings, implemented by new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and executive producer Nick Bilton, included correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi, Cecilia Vega, and Scott Pelley, following a $16 million settlement of President Donald Trump's lawsuit over a 2024 interview edit. The shake-up is part of broader changes at CBS News after Skydance merged with parent company Paramount. The correspondents said they are working to build trust with new leadership but may leave if they cannot continue independent journalism. The show, down four correspondents after Anderson Cooper also left, faces an uncertain future as it prepares for its 59th season.
Fortune | FORTUNELesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker and Jon Wertheim Vow to Stay at Embattled '60 Minutes'
Veteran '60 Minutes' correspondents Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim issued a joint memo on Friday vowing to 'stay and fight' at the news program amid significant upheaval under CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. They criticized the firings of their colleagues and stated that newsrooms should not be run like 'dictatorships.' The correspondents expressed a desire not to see '60 Minutes' die, signaling internal conflict and a commitment to the program's future. The article, from Forbes, notes this is a developing story.
Forbes - BusinessWhat’s Behind the Corporate Pillaging of 60 Minutes
The article reports on the firing of veteran CBS News correspondent Scott Pelley from 60 Minutes after he publicly criticized his new bosses, executive producer Nick Bilton and editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, during a staff meeting. Pelley accused Weiss of 'murdering' the program and lacking qualifications, and Bilton of having 'slender qualifications.' The confrontation was leaked to media, and Pelley was fired after refusing to apologize. The firing follows the earlier dismissal of correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi, who criticized Weiss's decision to halt a story on El Salvador's CECOT detention center for lacking a MAGA counterpoint. The article frames these events as part of a broader corporate and political shift at CBS News under the Trump 2.0 era, including the replacement of Stephen Colbert with Byron Allen and reported attempts to recruit Joe Rogan. The author argues that CBS has elevated toadying over truth-telling.
Article | The NationWhat’s Behind the Corporate Pillaging of 60 Minutes
The article reports on the firing of veteran CBS News correspondent Scott Pelley from 60 Minutes after he publicly criticized his new bosses, executive producer Nick Bilton and editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, during a staff meeting. Pelley accused Weiss of lacking qualifications and deliberately undermining the program, citing the firing of staff after a controversial decision to halt a story on El Salvador's detention center. The confrontation was leaked to media, leading to Pelley's dismissal. The piece frames this as part of a broader trend of corporate and political pressure on CBS News in the Trump 2.0 era, including the replacement of Stephen Colbert with Byron Allen and reported attempts to recruit Joe Rogan. The author argues that journalistic integrity is being sacrificed for toadying to MAGA-aligned interests.
Article | The NationWhat’s Behind the Corporate Pillaging of “60 Minutes”
The article reports on the firing of veteran CBS News correspondent Scott Pelley from 60 Minutes after he publicly criticized his new executive producer Nick Bilton and editor-in-chief Bari Weiss during a staff meeting. Pelley accused Weiss of lacking qualifications and destroying the program, citing the firing of staff after a controversial decision to halt a story on El Salvador's detention center. The firing is framed as part of a broader corporate and political shift at CBS News under the Trump 2.0 era, including the replacement of Stephen Colbert with Byron Allen and reported attempts to recruit Joe Rogan. The piece argues that CBS leadership has prioritized toadying to political pressures over journalistic integrity.
Article | The Nation