CBS News has announced a major shake-up of its flagship Sunday news programme, 60 Minutes, appointing former New York Times tech journalist Nick Bilton as executive producer for the upcoming 59th season. The move comes amid growing questions about the show's editorial integrity and follows the departure of several high-profile staff members.
Tanya Simon, daughter of legendary correspondent Bob Simon, has been removed as executive producer, a role she assumed after Bill Owens resigned in spring 2025. Correspondent Cecilia Vega and executive editor Draggan Mihailovich have also been let go, while veteran correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi confirmed her termination earlier this week.
Alfonsi claimed she was penalised for challenging criticisms from editor-in-chief Bari Weiss over a December 2025 segment on a notorious Salvadoran prison. Vega, who had nearly a year left on her contract, said she was fired and alleged political bias at the network. 'I very much fear what comes next for the future of the legendary broadcast,' Vega stated, accusing the network of censorship.
Bilton, known for his work at the New York Times and as a documentary filmmaker, has no prior experience producing a broadcast television programme. His appointment is expected to generate internal friction, as staff had been loyal to Simon and viewed her promotion as a sign of continuity. Editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, who joined in October 2025 with a background in opinion commentary but no TV news experience, praised Bilton as 'one of the most entrepreneurial and ambitious journalists working today.'
In a memo to staff, Bilton acknowledged the show's storied history but emphasised the need to adapt to changing media consumption habits. 'The world we are reporting on, and the world we are reporting to, has moved,' he wrote. 'If we don't move with it, we won't be here for the next sixty years.' The changes represent one of the most significant overhauls in the programme's history, which has been the most-watched news show on television for 52 consecutive seasons.
