New 60 Minutes Executive Producer Nick Bilton met with the show’s staff on Monday for the first time. Scott Pelley questioned recent moves and the vision of the show in the process.
What We Know: During Monday morning’s meeting, Bilton attempted to impress upon the staff that things were ok following a mass exodus of employees. Former Executive Producer Tanya Simon, Executive Editor Draggan Mihalovich, and correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega exited. In the process, Scott Pelley pressed Bilton on the vision of the program. He pointed out that the new executive producer has no television experience nor managerial experience. When Bilton attempted to share Bari Weiss’ vision for the show, Pelley took issue with the insinuation.
What They Said: “Bari loves this institution. She loves 60 Minutes.” -Nick Bilton
“She’s murdering 60 Minutes. She does not love this place. She was brought in to kill it — and she’s doing exactly that.” -Scott Pelley
What Remains Unclear: What the verbal altercation means for Scott Pelley’s future with the news magazine. Currently, he’s one of four correspondents that hasn’t been let go or departed after the most recent season finale. Some inside CBS News have questioned if Pelley will continue with the program following the confrontation.
What It Means: There have been many reports about consternation inside CBS News and 60 Minutes about the direction of the show. Several exiting staffers have shared concerns about the editorial direction. Pelley, who has been a stalwart on the show for more than 20 years, obviously feels similarly.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.
