CBS News executives rally staff around ’60 Minutes’ relaunch led by Bari Weiss

CBS News is energizing its team for the first complete season of “60 Minutes” under the leadership of top editor Bari Weiss, following months of notable departures. “We don’t often send notes to the entire newsroom. But today calls for it. It’s a significant moment for 60 Minutes and CBS,” wrote newsroom leaders, including Weiss, in a memo distributed to staff on Sunday. The memo previews an exclusive interview — described as one “everyone has been pursuing” — with a U.S. Air Force veteran who was freed from captivity in Iran in April. The 59th season of “60 Minutes” will feature 10 regular contributors, among them five correspondents: Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, Jon Wertheim, Norah O’Donnell, and Ross Douthat, who joined CBS from The New York Times in July. “60 Minutes” is launching its much-awaited season after a turbulent early summer for the renowned news program. New lead producer Nick Bilton, selected by Weiss in May, began his role by dismissing longtime correspondent Scott Pelley following a heated exchange in front of “60 Minutes” staff. Pelley had openly challenged Bilton’s credentials, questioned Weiss about the departures of fellow correspondents Cecilia Vega and Sharyn Alfonsi, and accused Weiss of undermining the iconic Sunday evening broadcast while attempting to weaken CBS News. Weiss later responded to the dismissal, telling staff she is “only interested in working in a newsroom that is built on trust and mutual respect.” Bilton admitted to “60 Minutes” employees that his initial week had been “a trying and difficult few days.” Veteran correspondents Whitaker, Wertheim, and Stahl — who has been part of “60” since 1991 — chose to remain with the program, stating they “don’t want to see 60 Minutes fade away.” They indicated they are “working to build trust” with Bilton and felt reassured by his message. “If we can keep producing the kind of work that defined this show — fearless, independent journalism and storytelling — we’re fully committed. If not, we walk,” Stahl, Whitaker, and Wertheim stated in their own note. Access the complete memo sent to CBS News staff below: All — We don’t often send notes to the whole newsroom. But today calls for it. It’s a big moment for 60 Minutes and CBS. Ahead of our premiere, we wanted to recognize the team on the launch of what promises to be a dynamic season — and to appreciate everyone throughout the CBS newsroom. Tonight’s episode kicks off with three original, groundbreaking reports that reflect 60 at its finest. We open with the interview everyone has been chasing. Then, a covert camera investigation and a feature on a NFL superteam’s rising star coach. We also welcome one of our new correspondents with a story defining our era: AI. We are sincerely grateful to everyone across CBS News for their support throughout the summer. Special thanks go to social, digital, graphics, marketing, and especially the investigative unit. Finally: You’ve likely seen the compelling “It’s Time” campaign across platforms. That initiative continues through tonight’s broadcast. We’d appreciate your help spreading the word by sharing these promos with your networks today. This is just the beginning and there’s plenty more ahead. Join us tonight at 7:30pm! Nick, Bari, and Tom