Bari Weiss to Revamp CBS News’ Iconic ’60 Minutes’: Report

Oliver Darcy’s Status newsletter reported that Bari Weiss plans a major overhaul of the long-running news magazine. The report says Weiss aims to revamp CBS News’ iconic ’60 Minutes’. Sources say she has privately discussed sweeping changes with colleagues.

Timing and scope

Weiss considered making changes mid-season. After talks with CBS News president Tom Cibrowski, she agreed to wait until May. Insiders say the top editor intends to act once the season ends.

Details of the proposed plan remain scarce. Sources told Darcy the effort could significantly alter the program’s lineup and approach.

Editorial control and staffing

Weiss is reportedly taking a more hands-on role in decisions. She has weighed in on staffing choices that typically fall to the executive producer. The plan may include hiring younger correspondents aligned with her editorial outlook.

She became CBS News editor-in-chief in October. That followed Paramount’s acquisition of her outlet, The Free Press, and came with backing from Paramount CEO David Ellison.

Recent network changes

The newsroom has seen notable shifts under Weiss and management. CBS News cut about 6 percent of staff and recently shut down CBS Radio. Filmogaz.com has contacted CBS News for comment on these moves.

Workplace tensions

Weiss told staff in January that employees should consider leaving if they doubted her leadership. That message added to unease among reporters and producers. Colleagues expressed surprise at some of her public interactions.

Controversial editorial decisions

In December, Weiss halted a 60 Minutes segment on El Salvador’s CECOT prison just before it aired. The decision prompted internal backlash and was described by some staff as a revolt. Weiss defended the move, saying stories are sometimes held to add context or voices.

Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi suggested the pause was political. The piece later aired in January after it leaked online. It drew about 5.1 million viewers.

Talent and ratings struggles

Weiss selected Tony Dokoupil to lead a reboot of CBS Evening News. Dokoupil previously co-anchored CBS Mornings. Some staff criticized promotional clips ahead of his debut.

Ratings for CBS Evening News slipped below four million in March. That level previously triggered a program overhaul. Dokoupil’s audience has lagged behind ABC and NBC evening broadcasts.

What’s next

Insiders say uncertainty remains about who will stay. Darcy’s newsletter suggested correspondent contracts could be in jeopardy. Network leaders face pressure to balance editorial shifts with audience retention.

• Source of report: Oliver Darcy, Status newsletter.
• Program in focus: ’60 Minutes’, launched in 1968.
• Expected timing: after current season ends in May.
• Recent viewer figure for the El Salvador segment: about 5.1 million.
• Recent staff reduction: roughly 6 percent.