CBS News, under the new leadership of Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, has announced its first major overhaul of "60 Minutes," bringing in a slate of new correspondents and contributors in a move that signals a potential — and long overdue — pivot for the iconic news magazine. This shakeup comes after years of escalating criticism over the program’s impartiality and a significant $16 million settlement paid to President Donald Trump following a heavily edited interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
Leading the new guard is New York Times columnist Ross Douthat, a prominent conservative voice, who joins "60 Minutes" as a correspondent. Executive producer Nick Bilton, tapped by Weiss to lead the storied broadcast, confirmed Douthat’s appointment in a memo, praising him as "one of the preeminent public intellectuals in America today, a thinker of uncommon rigor and a journalist of deep empathy."
This addition is particularly noteworthy for a network that has long faced accusations of leaning left. The move suggests an an attempt to broaden the program’s appeal beyond its traditional base and, perhaps, genuinely address the erosion of public trust in mainstream media. Douthat is joined by bestselling author and filmmaker Sebastian Junger, former VICE News and CNN journalist Gianna Toboni, and British broadcaster Trevor Phillips, all stepping in as contributors. Longtime CBS News anchor Norah O’Donnell, who has contributed to "60 Minutes" for over a decade, has also been elevated to full correspondent status.
Bilton’s memo declared that this "exceptional lineup of journalists will be joining '60 Minutes', carrying on its tradition of fearless, independent and impartial reporting." A noble goal, indeed, especially considering the recent history that necessitated such a sweeping change.
Earlier this year, the Weiss-led restructuring saw the departure of longtime executive producer Tanya Simon, several senior producers, and veteran correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi, Cecilia Vega, and Scott Pelley. Anderson Cooper later exited the program voluntarily. These departures followed years of public backlash, most notably after the program’s 2024 interview with Kamala Harris was widely criticized for its perceived bias and selective editing. That incident ultimately contributed to CBS’s parent company, Paramount, settling President Trump’s lawsuit for a substantial $16 million.
Since assuming control, Weiss has publicly committed to restoring trust in the network and expanding the program’s audience. Bilton, in turn, has promised to modernize the nearly six-decade-old broadcast without compromising its journalistic integrity. He previously told staff, "My responsibility is not just technological transformation. It is also our trust with the public. Above all, that means a commitment to fairness—in story selection, in the edit room, and in the broadcast."
Americans will be watching closely to see if these pledges translate into genuine, even-handed reporting or if they merely serve as a PR veneer following costly missteps. The inclusion of a genuinely conservative voice like Ross Douthat on such a prominent platform is a rare and potentially significant development in the fight for media accountability and a return to authentic, non-partisan journalism, a standard the America First movement has long championed. Season 59 of "60 Minutes" is set to premiere on September 13.
