In an internal memo, veteran correspondents Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim warned colleagues they would depart from CBS News’ “60 Minutes” if the program can no longer produce independent journalism.
The trio stated they remain committed to preserving the long-running newsmagazine despite concerns over recent leadership changes. They emphasized their decision to stay stems from a desire to prevent the show’s disappearance, even as they continue to object to management decisions.
“Newsrooms are not supposed to be run like dictatorships,” the correspondents wrote. “Collaboration and argument have always been the way we work at 60.”
The group expressed concern that returning to work could be interpreted as support for current leadership. “We feared our return might be construed as an endorsement of the existing power structure. That is simply, categorically not the case,” they added.
They remain “still deeply upset” over the firings of former Executive Producer Tanya Simon and Executive Editor Draggan Mihailovich, two longtime figures associated with the program.
At the same time, Stahl, Whitaker, and Wertheim said they are attempting to work with Nick Bilton, who was recently appointed executive producer. The appointment has been contentious, as Correspondent Scott Pelley publicly criticized Bilton’s qualifications for the role, stating he was poorly suited to lead the iconic news program.
Pelley was fired Tuesday following his claim that CBS News chief Bari Weiss was “murdering the show” and accused Bilton of having “slender qualifications” for the job.
The move deepened turmoil at the nation’s most influential TV news program, days after a leadership overhaul. Despite their concerns, the correspondents said they are working to preserve the editorial standards that have defined “60 Minutes” for decades.
“The continued presence of our team depends on whether ’60 Minutes’ can maintain its journalistic mission,” they wrote. “If we can continue doing the work that made this show what it is — committing acts of independent, fearless journalism and storytelling — we’re here for it. If not, we leave.”
