CBS News Faces Potential Overhaul of '60 Minutes' Under Bari Weiss
CBS News' flagship program '60 Minutes' may undergo significant changes as new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss plans to expand the brand and adjust its editorial direction.
CBS News' flagship program, '60 Minutes,' is poised for significant changes under the leadership of editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. Since her appointment in October 2025, Weiss has expressed intentions to expand the brand's reach beyond its traditional Sunday night slot. In a January town hall meeting, she emphasized the importance of '60 Minutes' to CBS News and American journalism, stating, 'I think it should be at the heart and center of what we do.'
Weiss's tenure has been marked by notable editorial decisions, including the shelving of a segment on the Trump administration's deportation of Venezuelans to El Salvador. She defended this move by emphasizing the need for comprehensive and fair coverage. This decision led to internal tensions, with correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi expressing concerns about potential changes that could harm the program.
The upcoming 59th season will be the first fully under Weiss's direction. While the network has no plans to alter the show's award-winning format, layoffs are anticipated. A longtime network insider indicated that 'massive changes' are expected post-season, contributing to a climate of uncertainty among staff.
Personnel shifts are also underway. Correspondent Anderson Cooper announced his departure to focus on his CNN program and family. Alfonsi suggested she might be 'fired' before the next season, following her public critique of corporate influence on editorial decisions. Additionally, veteran correspondent Lesley Stahl is reportedly considering leaving the show after being bypassed for a high-profile interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which was assigned to Major Garrett.
Weiss has not publicly detailed her plans for '60 Minutes' but has indicated a desire to integrate the program more closely with the broader CBS News division. This approach may involve featuring other CBS journalists, such as Tony Dokoupil, on the show. The extent of these changes and their impact on the program's legacy remain to be seen.