After a tumultuous week at 60 Minutes, the network received word on Friday that its remaining correspondents — Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim — would remain with the program.
What We Know: Four of the seven correspondents from the past season have exited. In a memo to staffers on Thursday, new executive producer Nick Bilton called it a “hell of a first week” on the job. He also called Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim “core to the show’s success.” In a joint statement to staffers on Friday, the remaining trio committed to returning to the 59th season of the show.
What They Said: “We have decided to stay on. We feared that our returning might be construed as an endorsement of the existing power structure. That is simply, categorically not the case. Here’s why we’re staying: We don’t want to see 60 Minutes die. We have been grieving because this whole mess has wounded and damaged the broadcast.” -Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim in a joint statement
What Remains Unclear: What the response from CBS News executives will be. In the memo, the trio lambasted the decision to fire Executive Producer Tanya Simon and Executive Editor Draggan Mihalovich, as well as their former colleagues Cecilia Vega, Sharyn Alfonsi, and Scott Pelley.
What It Means: The move gives an answer to one of the largest questions remaining about the future of the show. The institutional knowledge of the trio is an important factor. Especially with new leaders like Bari Weiss and Nick Bilton overseeing the show.
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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.
