Story perspectives

Stahl, Whitaker, Wertheim Remain; 60 Minutes Gains 9% Viewership

6/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker and Jon Wertheim announced they will stay on CBS News’ “60 Minutes” to keep the program afloat amid leadership turmoil.
Their decision follows the firings of staff—including executive producer Tanya Simon, editor Draggan Mihailovich, and correspondents Scott Pelley, Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega.
New executive producer Nick Bilton pledged journalistic independence and called the three correspondents core to the show’s success, noting a 9% audience rise.

History

Historical Context

In September 2004, CBS News broadcast a 60 Minutes II report with Dan Rather that relied on forged Killian documents, sparking the Rathergate scandal and prompting Rather’s exit in March 2005. CBS responded with a 2004 shake-up that cut about 30 journalists, including senior producer Susan Zirinsky, and trimmed $150 million from the news budget; the flagship 60 Minutes now airs with Lesley Stahl and Bill Whitaker.

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Story summary

Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker and Jon Wertheim announced they will stay on CBS News’ “60 Minutes” to keep the program afloat amid leadership turmoil.
Their decision follows the firings of staff—including executive producer Tanya Simon, editor Draggan Mihailovich, and correspondents Scott Pelley, Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega.
New executive producer Nick Bilton pledged journalistic independence and called the three correspondents core to the show’s success, noting a 9% audience rise.

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