Internal conflicts are reportedly simmering at CBS News, particularly within the network’s flagship program, 60 Minutes. Bari Weiss, the editor-in-chief of CBS News, is at the center of these tensions due to her recent actions regarding high-profile interviews.
Conflict Over Interview Assignments
According to reports, veteran 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl has expressed frustration over how Weiss handled the booking of an interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Sources indicate that Stahl felt “upstaged” by Weiss, who assigned the interview to CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett, despite Stahl’s months-long effort to secure it herself.
Stahl has been a key figure on 60 Minutes for 35 years and is known for her investigative diligence. The decision to hand the Netanyahu interview to Garrett, who is not a regular 60 Minutes correspondent, raised eyebrows within the organization. This is not an isolated incident; in March, Weiss booked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, directing Garrett to conduct that interview as well, sidelining the 60 Minutes team once again.
Stahl’s Disillusionment
The handling of the Netanyahu interview has reportedly left Stahl disillusioned, leading her to reconsider her future with the show. At 84 years old, her contract is negotiated on a year-to-year basis, and its expiration at the end of the current season raises significant questions about her continuation on 60 Minutes.
Sources have indicated that Stahl is weighing her options, given the circumstances and the perceived lack of respect for the established 60 Minutes team.
CBS News Response
A CBS spokesperson commented on the situation, asserting that it is indeed the editor-in-chief’s responsibility to make decisions related to bookings and interviews. They noted that Garrett performed a “tough, fair, and newsworthy interview,” maintaining that editorial decisions uphold the standards of the network.
The interview with Netanyahu featuring Major Garrett aired on Sunday evening, and its reception remains to be seen. 60 Minutes has faced challenges recently, including the departure of prominent correspondent Anderson Cooper, raising concerns about its future stability.
Potential Changes Ahead
Reports indicate that Bari Weiss is planning significant changes to 60 Minutes, which has historically blended investigative journalism with compelling interviews. These potential alterations could shift the program’s focus, encompassing broader reporting and coverage rather than being exclusively tied to the team’s investigative output.
Such changes could affect the show’s long-standing format, which has maintained its reputation and appeal for decades. Industry observers caution that Weiss must consider the reasons behind 60 Minutes’ enduring success as she contemplates a new direction.
Amidst these developments, correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi’s future at CBS also appears uncertain. Her contract is set to expire at the end of May, and there have been no indications of ongoing renewal discussions, a departure from standard practice where negotiations typically occur months before the expiration of contracts for prominent figures.
As CBS News navigates these internal conflicts and considerations for the 60 Minutes program, the potential fallout could significantly impact its future outlook.