Story perspectives

Bari Weiss Revamps 60 Minutes Amid Departures, Independence Concerns

5/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Bari Weiss plans to overhaul 60 Minutes by adding journalists and cutting contracts, prompting staff to warn the change threatens editorial independence.
Anderson Cooper announced his departure while Sharyn Alfonsi likely faces non-renewal after a Salvadoran-prison segment was pulled.
Tony Dokoupil is slated for 60 Minutes as part of the shake-up.
Lesley Stahl was passed over for a Benjamin Netanyahu interview, sparking speculation she may leave despite a 10.1 million-viewer episode.

History

Historical Context

In 1975 Don Hewitt reshaped CBS’s “60 Minutes,” moving it to a permanent 7 p.m. Sunday slot after the FCC restored an hour to networks. Adding White House correspondent Dan Rather helped the show become the top-rated Sunday program by 1976, with ad rates rising from $17,000 to $175,000 by 1982. The 2024 restructuring mirrors that historic overhaul.

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Story summary

Bari Weiss plans to overhaul 60 Minutes by adding journalists and cutting contracts, prompting staff to warn the change threatens editorial independence.
Anderson Cooper announced his departure while Sharyn Alfonsi likely faces non-renewal after a Salvadoran-prison segment was pulled.
Tony Dokoupil is slated for 60 Minutes as part of the shake-up.
Lesley Stahl was passed over for a Benjamin Netanyahu interview, sparking speculation she may leave despite a 10.1 million-viewer episode.

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