Bari Weiss Reportedly Planning Major Overhaul of CBS's Iconic 60 Minutes
CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss is reportedly planning significant changes to the network's iconic 60 Minutes program, with plans to "blow it up" after the current season concludes in May, according to a new report from journalist Oliver Darcy's Status newsletter.
Weiss's Vision for the Flagship Program
Weiss has privately informed colleagues of her intention to revamp 60 Minutes, one of television's highest-rated news programs that first aired in 1968 and is renowned for its in-depth investigative journalism. Initially considering mid-season changes, Weiss agreed with CBS News president Tom Cibrowski and other network leaders to delay the overhaul until the current season ends in May.
One source familiar with the situation told Darcy that Weiss is expected to "blow it up as soon as the season is over," while another staff member admitted that "no one knows what to expect." Although specific details of Weiss's vision remain unclear, she is anticipated to introduce new, younger correspondents who align more closely with her editorial direction.
Expanding Influence and Previous Controversies
Weiss is reportedly taking an active role in decisions typically reserved for the program's executive producer, including staffing matters. This follows her appointment as CBS News's top editor in October, after parent company Paramount acquired her digital media outlet, The Free Press.
Since assuming leadership alongside Paramount boss David Ellison, Weiss has implemented substantial staffing changes, including cutting approximately 6 percent of CBS News staff and shutting down CBS Radio last month. In January, she told employees they should leave if they didn't believe she was the "right leader" for the network.
Weiss has already generated controversy at 60 Minutes, notably striking a segment about El Salvador's notorious CECOT prison shortly before its scheduled airing in December, a decision that sparked internal revolt. Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi suggested the move was politically motivated, though the segment eventually aired in January to approximately 5.1 million viewers after leaking online.
Broader Network Changes and Ratings Challenges
Weiss has expressed frustration with Alfonsi during calls with reporters, and Darcy's latest newsletter suggests it's "difficult to envision a scenario" where Alfonsi's contract is renewed. Meanwhile, Weiss tapped Tony Dokoupil to anchor a reboot of CBS Evening News, which has faced poor ratings and behind-the-scenes chaos.
Dokoupil's debut, featuring social media clips of him asking random travelers at a train station to pronounce his last name, was described by one network staffer as "embarrassing" and "quite the humiliating ritual." In March, ratings for CBS Evening News fell below 4 million viewers—a threshold that previously triggered alarm at the network—and lagged behind competitors like ABC's World News Tonight and NBC's Nightly News.
Weiss also drew attention after introducing herself to former President Donald Trump and exchanging cheek kisses following his 60 Minutes interview in November, with one CBS News reporter calling the interaction "reeking of elitism."
The Independent has contacted CBS News for comment regarding the reported plans for 60 Minutes.
