60 Minutes opens 59th season after correspondent firings and departures

“60 Minutes” began its 59th season under CBS News Editor in Chief Bari Weiss and executive producer Nick Bilton after months of firings, departures and internal controversy. The overhaul included the dismissals of longtime correspondents Scott Pelley, Cecilia Vega and Sharyn Alfonsi, as well as senior producers, while Anderson Cooper left independently. Despite CBS’s promise of a new approach and a broader roster that includes Ross Douthat, Sebastian Junger, Gianna Toboni, Trevor Phillips and Ariel Levy, the premiere relied largely on veteran correspondents and familiar formats, with new contributors receiving limited exposure. The broadcast featured reports on downed U.S. airmen, paid pardon brokers tied to President Donald Trump, artificial intelligence and an NFL coach, including a hidden-camera investigation. CBS leadership presented the episode as a major relaunch and said the program would pursue more prominent, lively coverage while remaining fair to Trump and other political figures.