Ross Douthat joins ‘60 Minutes’ as CBS races to rebuild the show

CBS News Makes Bold Moves to Revitalize ’60 Minutes’ Following Leadership Shakeup

Sandego.net – CBS News has launched an ambitious effort to restore its flagship newsmagazine program, reaching outside traditional television journalism circles to assemble a fresh team. This strategic pivot comes just two months after a series of high-profile dismissals that sent shockwaves through the industry. On Tuesday, the network unveiled five new faces joining the top-rated program, with several taking on expanded roles within the organization.

A Star-Studded Lineup of New Contributors

The most unexpected announcement involves Ross Douthat, the New York Times opinion columnist who has spent the past year hosting his own weekly interview program. Douthat will depart from his position at The Times to assume a full-time correspondent role at “60 Minutes.” Alongside him, Norah O’Donnell transitions from contributor status to become a full-fledged correspondent after more than ten years of service to the program.

The remaining three new additions join as contributors with diverse backgrounds. Gianna Toboni brings experience as both a correspondent and filmmaker, having most recently contributed to the “CNN Explains” series. Her career includes a decade of reporting and producing for Vice News, and she released the documentary “Just Kids” last year, examining teenagers living in states that limit access to gender-affirming healthcare.

Trevor Phillips represents a different perspective entirely. The prominent British broadcaster and former politician joined CBS earlier this summer in the role of senior global affairs correspondent. Sebastian Junger rounds out the group, bringing literary credentials alongside his media experience. Readers know him best from best-selling works including “The Perfect Storm” and “War,” as well as his long-form magazine journalism. Junger also co-directed the highly acclaimed 2010 documentary “Restrepo,” which chronicled American soldiers during the Afghanistan conflict.

Executive Leadership Weighs In

Nick Bilton, the new executive producer overseeing the program’s transformation, expressed confidence in the collective strength of these five additions. He noted that between them they have written books and magazine articles, produced documentaries, TV shows and podcasts, hosted live events and built brands on independent platforms.

The rebuilding effort follows a contentious period initiated by CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. At the end of May, Weiss removed “60 Minutes” executive producer Tanya Simon along with two correspondents, Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega. Both dismissed journalists have publicly addressed what they described as inappropriate management interference in their work.

What’s being called ‘editorial interference’ is in reality the job description of an editor in chief.

At the time of these dismissals, the program was already operating with reduced staff. CNN anchor Anderson Cooper had reportedly relinquished his position, citing concerns about Weiss and her broader vision for CBS News. Scott Pelley, one of four remaining correspondents at that moment, publicly defended the fired journalists during a staff meeting in early June. His remarks, which accused Weiss of “murdering” the newsmagazine, quickly became public and intensified the ongoing crisis.

Bilton responded by firing Pelley the following day, leaving the program with only three full-time correspondents: Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim. After navigating several challenging days amid widespread speculation about potential departures, the trio confirmed they would remain with the program. They stated that they don’t want to see ’60 Minutes’ die.

The newsmagazine currently observes its traditional summer break, with the new season scheduled to commence on Sunday, September 13.