CBS News Revamps ’60 Minutes’ with Prominent New Team Members

CBS News is introducing significant changes to ’60 Minutes’ as it approaches its 59th season. Notably, Bari Weiss, the editor-in-chief, has recruited former New York Times colleague Ross Douthat as a new correspondent. Douthat, a conservative columnist, was highlighted for his ability to make complex topics accessible through compassion and depth. Nick Bilton, the newly appointed executive producer, communicated this change to staff.

The departure of Douthat from the New York Times after 17 years was confirmed by Opinion editor Kathleen Kingsbury. She expressed appreciation for his contributions, noting his engagement in honest discourse and the importance of his columns.

Norah O’Donnell, a seasoned CBS News journalist, will also join ’60 Minutes’ as a correspondent. Her extensive contributions include interviews with notable figures such as Pope Francis, President Trump, President Biden, and Mohammed bin Salman. Bilton acknowledged her impressive work over the years.

The revamp includes additional contributors like journalist and documentary filmmaker Sebastian Junger, former Vice News correspondent Gianna Toboni, and former Sky News presenter Trevor Phillips. These additions aim to broaden the program’s scope. Bari Weiss and CBS News President Tom Cibrowski expressed enthusiasm about welcoming these new team members.

Simultaneously, the announcement follows a series of personnel changes at ’60 Minutes’, resulting in the termination of executive producer Tanya Simon and correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi, Cecilia Vega, and Scott Pelley. These changes have stirred tensions within the network and attracted criticism from liberal circles. While several veteran correspondents like Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim remain, Anderson Cooper has announced his departure earlier this year.