CBS News Fills ‘60 Minutes’ Roles

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, July 29, 2026

CBS News is reshaping “60 Minutes” under new executive producer Nick Bilton, adding correspondents Ross Douthat, Norah O’Donnell, and others ahead of its 59th season. This overhaul aims to stabilize the program after internal conflicts and staff departures, positioning it to better engage modern audiences while maintaining its commitment to independent reporting.

CBS News is undertaking a significant personnel reshuffle on its flagship newsmagazine, “60 Minutes,” as new executive producer Nick Bilton seeks to revitalize the program following a period of internal conflict and turnover. The changes were announced in a staff memo Tuesday, outlining several key hires and shifts ahead of the show’s 59th season.

Among the new additions is New York Times columnist Ross Douthat, who will join as a correspondent. Sebastian Junger, known for his work as an author and documentarian, will contribute to the program in a related capacity. Former “CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell will expand her involvement by becoming a full-time correspondent on “60 Minutes.” The team will also include Gianna Toboni, a documentary filmmaker with experience at Vice News, and Trevor Phillips, recently named CBS News senior global affairs correspondent, in contributor roles.

Bilton emphasized that the new journalists embody the program’s longstanding commitment to “fearless, independent and impartial reporting,” describing them as “entrepreneurial journalists who understand how to reach modern audiences.”

The shake-up at “60 Minutes” follows a turbulent phase within CBS News, which began last fall after Bari Weiss was appointed editor in chief of Paramount’s CBS News division. Conflicts arose between Weiss and some correspondents, including Sharyn Alfonsi, whose contract was not renewed after disagreements over editorial decisions, notably concerning a report on a maximum-security prison in El Salvador.

Further departures followed in the spring. Cecilia Vega was dismissed in May shortly after Bilton assumed leadership of “60 Minutes.” The exodus also included Scott Pelley, one of the program’s longest-serving correspondents, who left after opposing the termination of his colleagues.

Bilton’s restructuring appears aimed at stabilizing the program and adapting its approach to a changing media landscape, bringing in journalists with diverse backgrounds to uphold the show’s reputation while engaging contemporary audiences. The upcoming season will serve as an indicator of the success of these changes in reinvigorating the iconic newsmagazine.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.