Entertainment
CBS News prepares for 59th season of 60 Minutes following editorial upheaval
New leadership works to ready the newsmagazine ahead of its September premiere after staff departures and disruptions to its usual production pipeline.
The short version
- CBS News is preparing to launch the 59th season of 60 Minutes on September 13 under new executive producer Nick Bilton.
- The transition follows significant staff cuts and leadership changes orchestrated by CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss earlier in the year.
- The newsmagazine entered the off-season without its typical backlog of pre-approved evergreen segments, adding pressure to weekly production cycles.
- Leadership is aiming to modernize digital engagement and expand coverage on topics like artificial intelligence while retaining core veteran staff.
Key facts
- Season 59 of 60 Minutes is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, September 13.[Variety]
- CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss overhauled the program in May and June, ousting editorial leaders Tanya Simon and Draggan Mahialvich alongside correspondents Sharyn Alfoni and Cecelia Vega.[Variety]
- Executive producer Nick Bilton approved more than three dozen stories across different stages of production to replenish the program's depleted story bank.[Variety]
- New contributors including Ross Douthat, Sebastian Junger, and Norah O'Donnell are joining the show, while veterans Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim remained on staff.[Variety]
- Paramount paid a $16 million settlement to President Donald Trump to resolve a lawsuit regarding an interview conducted by Bill Whitaker with then-Vice President Kamala Harris.[Variety]
- The program generated $67.2 million in advertising revenue in 2025 according to Guideline, with viewership rising 9% during its previous season.[Variety]