Key facts
- CBS News is relaunching '60 Minutes' for its 59th season under top editor Bari Weiss.
- The program features new correspondents, including Ross Douthat from The New York Times.
- The season premiere included a segment on the Los Angeles Rams, exploring their use of technology and AI.
- Long-time correspondents Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim are returning.
- Bari Weiss was hired with a mandate to move the news division toward the political center.
- The changes follow the dismissal of several correspondents and executive producer.
CBS News is launching the 59th season of its flagship program '60 Minutes' under the leadership of top editor Bari Weiss, following a period of significant staff changes and internal discord. The program returned on Sunday with a refreshed format, new correspondents, and a familiar focus on in-depth reporting.
Newsroom leaders, including Weiss, sent a memo to staffers to generate excitement for the new season, highlighting an anticipated interview with a US Air Force officer rescued from Iran. The season will feature 10 regular contributors, including five correspondents: Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, Jon Wertheim, Norah O'Donnell, and Ross Douthat, who joined from The New York Times.
The relaunch follows a turbulent summer for '60 Minutes.' Lead producer Nick Bilton, appointed by Weiss, began his tenure by dismissing long-time correspondent Scott Pelley after Pelley publicly questioned Bilton's qualifications and accused Weiss of damaging the program. Weiss stated her focus is on fostering a newsroom built on trust and mutual respect.
Correspondents Stahl, Whitaker, and Wertheim, who have been with the show for many years, decided to return, expressing a desire to see '60 Minutes' continue and stating they are working to build trust with Bilton. The program's season premiere featured Jon Wertheim's in-depth look at the Los Angeles Rams, including their use of technology and artificial intelligence, a segment that followed an NFL game and aimed to draw viewers. This strategy has previously led to strong ratings for the program.