Poynter is reporting a major shakeup at CBS News' "60 Minutes," described as potentially one of the most pivotal days in the show's history. It said CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss fired executive producer Tanya Simon, who had been with the program for nearly three decades. Weiss appointed Nick Bilton, a former New York Times technology columnist and documentary filmmaker with no traditional TV news experience, to replace Simon.
Poynter said "60 Minutes" correspondents Cecilia Vega and Sharyn Alfonsi were also fired. Alfonsi had previously stated she did not expect to return after clashing with Weiss last year over a story about El Salvador's CECOT prison, which Alfonsi called a "political" decision to hold.
Vega, in a statement to The New York Times, accused CBS leadership of threatening "60 Minutes" independence and attempting to insert political bias into stories. She said reporting teams have held back pitches due to fear of internal repercussions, calling it "censorship, both imposed and self-driven." Vega stated she refused to incorporate "suggestions that offend the conscience" and that many colleagues have fought to maintain editorial independence. A CBS News spokesperson told The New York Times that Vega's claims are "not based in reality."
Poynter reported that the upheaval follows major changes at CBS News since new ownership, led by Trump-ally David Ellison, hand-picked Weiss to run the news division. Weiss told The New York Times that Bilton's experience across different platforms and technology expertise made him the right choice to lead "60 Minutes," aiming for "deep, revelatory journalism" that reaches all audiences. Bilton, in a note to staff, acknowledged the show's legacy but warned of upcoming changes, stating he is there "to lead this show, not preserve it under glass." The New York Post reported that sources at CBS said the news sent "shockwaves" through the newsroom because many did not know who Bilton was. The Guardian reported layoffs are expected, with the show losing three of seven correspondents.
In other media news, Poynter noted that ABC's "World News Tonight" won Outstanding Live News Program at the News Emmys. Student journalist Santiago Campos, accepting the Mike Wallace Memorial Scholarship, criticized CBS News' recent direction, stating it "stains the legacy of Mike Wallace." Former "CBS Evening News" anchor Scott Pelley applauded Campos' speech.
Poynter also reported that CNN is suing Perplexity over alleged AI copyright theft. The New York Times reported that Donald Trump refiled a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal. Additionally, podcaster Dan Le Batard called on New York media to question New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart about his introduction of President Donald Trump at a recent rally.