Poynter is reporting that CBS’s “60 Minutes” has made several new hires for its upcoming season, most notably conservative New York Times columnist Ross Douthat as a full-time correspondent. Status’ Oliver Darcy said staffers inside “60 Minutes” were not thrilled about Douthat’s appointment, citing his lack of TV news experience and background as an opinion columnist. Darcy also noted concerns about the new executive producer, Nick Bilton, who also lacks TV experience. Other contributors hired include author Sebastian Junger, former Vice correspondent Gianna Toboni and British journalist Trevor Phillips. Darcy wrote that while these individuals are accomplished, they lack the stature and specific experience for the show’s signature segments. Norah O’Donnell was named a full-time correspondent this week, joining Douthat, Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker and Jon Wertheim.
Poynter is reporting that Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr is pursuing an early review of licenses for eight ABC-owned TV stations, a move that a group of former FCC officials from both parties called “unprecedented.” The Guardian’s Jeremy Barr said the group, which includes former FCC chairs Mark S. Fowler, Alfred C. Sikes and Thomas E. Wheeler, filed with the FCC, stating the proceeding is a “grave violation” of the Communications Act and the Constitution, aiming to censor Disney’s and ABC’s speech. CNN’s Brian Stelter wrote that the FCC website shows more than 152,000 public comments on the matter, overwhelmingly in support of ABC and critical of President Trump and Carr.
Poynter is reporting that WNBA star Caitlin Clark continues to drive significant viewership increases for the league. Sports Business Journal’s Austin Karp reported that viewership for the WNBA is up 12% from a year ago, averaging 742,000 viewers across all media partners. The WNBA All-Star Game, featuring Clark, saw a 44% increase in ratings from last year, drawing 3.2 million viewers, making it the second-most watched WNBA All-Star Game ever. The most-watched was the 2024 game, also featuring Clark as a rookie. Karp added that the seven most-watched WNBA broadcasts this season have all involved Clark’s Indiana Fever.
Poynter is reporting that Season 52 of “Saturday Night Live” will premiere Sept. 26, the earliest start date for a new season in 14 years, according to LateNighter’s Jed Rosenzweig. Seven-year veteran Chloe Fineman has announced her departure from the show.
In other media news, Axios’ Sara Fischer is reporting that Barry Diller’s People Inc. is exploring a possible sale of The Daily Beast. Mediaite’s Sean James wrote that Fox News beat both CNN and MSNBC combined in July ratings. Poynter’s Jennifer Nehrer discussed how a community can have local newspapers and still lack local news. Columbia Journalism Review’s Amos Barshad examined how a ticket reseller profits off the Sports Illustrated name. Front Office Sports’ Ryan Glasspiegel reported that former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith will have an expanded role on ESPN’s NFL studio rotation. Longtime NHL game analyst Eddie Olczyk announced he is stepping away from his duties as color commentator on Seattle Kraken games but will continue with TNT national broadcasts. The New York Times and Stephen Hiltner published an interactive feature titled “2 Wheels, 14 Days, 2,448 Miles: A Motorcycle Tour of Route 66.”