CBS’s ’60 Minutes’ has introduced a roster of new correspondents and contributors for its 59th season. These additions include Ross Douthat, a conservative columnist for The New York Times, and Norah O’Donnell, former anchor of ‘CBS Evening News’.
The show’s new executive producer, Nick Bilton, shared the announcement with the staff. He revealed that alongside Douthat and O’Donnell, author Sebastian Junger, Trevor Phillips, and Gianna Toboni will contribute to the program.
They join current correspondents Lesley Stahl, Jon Wertheim, and Bill Whitaker. This change follows significant shifts at the program led by CBS’s new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss.
Weiss appointed Bilton, who has limited experience in broadcast news, as executive producer, replacing Tanya Simon, whose tenure spanned over 30 years. Sharyn Alfonsi, Cecilia Vega, and Scott Pelley, whose departure was marked by disagreements with management, were also let go.
Anderson Cooper, after two decades, decided to leave the show, focusing primarily on his role at CNN.
CBS News leadership expressed enthusiasm about the hires. In an internal memo, Weiss and Tom Cibrowski, CBS News president, welcomed the new team members.
“We couldn’t be more excited about this news,” they said. “Onward!”
Bilton praised Douthat as a noteworthy intellectual with rigorous thought and empathy. Douthat has been with the Times for nearly 20 years and authored several books.
Bilton described O’Donnell as a significant presence. Recently, she launched a new podcast and will now work as a correspondent for ’60 Minutes’.
Regarding Junger, known for his book “The Perfect Storm,” Bilton highlighted his impact on storytelling, calling him a generational talent.
Toboni, joining as a contributor and national correspondent, previously worked at VICE News and VICE on HBO. She has reported on issues such as ISIS and cartel violence in Mexico and authored a book on the death penalty.
Trevor Phillips, based in London, will serve as the senior global affairs correspondent. Regarded as a respected voice in the UK, Phillips is known for holding those in power accountable.
’60 Minutes’ Faces Ongoing Changes
Changes at ’60 Minutes’ have been ongoing for more than a year. Issues arose after former President Donald Trump sued over an edited 2024 interview with Kamala Harris. These events contributed to broader upheavals within CBS News after Weiss assumed her editor-in-chief role and David Ellison became the network’s corporate leader.
For more detailed information, Jocelyn Noveck covers media and entertainment for The Associated Press.