Key facts
- Veteran '60 Minutes' anchors Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim will remain with the program.
- The anchors issued a joint statement expressing concern over 'dictatorship' leadership and recent firings.
- They stated they are 'deeply upset' by the upheaval at the show.
- The anchors' decision to stay is conditional on continuing independent journalism.
- New executive producer Nick Bilton was brought in by CBS editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
- Several producers and correspondents were recently terminated from the program.
Veteran '60 Minutes' correspondents Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim have decided to remain with the program following a series of high-profile firings. In a joint statement, they warned that 'newsrooms are not supposed to be run like dictatorships' and expressed that they are 'deeply upset' by the recent shakeups. The trio indicated their decision to stay was difficult but motivated by a desire 'not to see '60 Minutes' die.' The program has experienced significant upheaval, including the terminations of producers Tanya Simon and Draggan Mihailovich, and correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi, Cecilia Vega, and Scott Pelley. Pelley was reportedly fired after criticizing the new leadership, including CBS editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, and the new executive producer, Nick Bilton, who was appointed by Weiss. Stahl, Whitaker, and Wertheim stated that no explanation was provided for the departures of Simon and Mihailovich, whom they described as 'strong leaders' who 'fought for our '60 Minutes' values and stood up to protect our independence and integrity.' They expressed sorrow for the 'shabby' and 'indecent' treatment of these journalists. The correspondents acknowledged their decision might be seen as an endorsement of the current power structure, but categorically denied this, stating their intention is to 'repair and preserve our reputation.' They emphasized that their commitment is not final and they are prepared to leave if the show deviates further from independent journalism. CBS News has denied allegations of political interference, stating that the 'only 'interference' is the normal back and forth between editor and correspondent.'