Key facts
- Paramount CEO David Ellison promised to respect '60 Minutes'' editorial independence.
- The pledge was made during a call with correspondent Lesley Stahl.
- The assurance follows turmoil at CBS News, including firings of leadership and correspondents.
- Former correspondent Scott Pelley alleged editorial guidance was politically influenced.
- Remaining correspondents Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim have decided to stay with the program.
Paramount CEO David Ellison has assured '60 Minutes' correspondent Lesley Stahl that he will respect the news program's editorial independence. This commitment comes amid significant turmoil at CBS News, following the dismissal of the show's leadership and several prominent correspondents.
Ellison's call to Stahl on Sunday was an early indication of his personal involvement in calming the situation. The overhaul, overseen by network editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, drew criticism from star correspondent Scott Pelley, who has since been fired. Pelley alleged that Weiss had exerted political influence on coverage, a charge the network denies.
Stahl shared news of Ellison's call with '60 Minutes' staff on Monday during a morale-boosting event. She, along with fellow correspondents Bill Whitaker and Jon Wertheim, had considered leaving but ultimately decided to stay, stating they did not "want to see '60 Minutes' die." Stahl described her toast as being "to us,' meaning the survivors," with "a twinge of survivor's guilt."
Questions about Ellison's stewardship of CBS News arose after his takeover of Paramount last year. His company is seeking federal approval for a $111 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. Ellison has expressed a desire for CBS News to resonate with a broad audience, stating he wants it to appeal to the 70 percent of Americans who identify as center-right or center-left.
Scores of journalists, including CBS News veterans, recently signed an open letter urging Ellison to commit to the program's independence. The future of '60 Minutes' is uncertain as it navigates these changes without many of its key figures. The show is set to air reruns until its next season begins in September, facing challenges in updating segments featuring recently departed correspondents.