60 Minutes Overhauls On-Air Lineup After Mass Departures
Three veteran correspondents and two new full-time journalists will form the core on-air team of 60 Minutes when its 59th season begins on September 13, 2026. Executive Producer Nick Bilton announced the major broadcast shake-up in an internal staff memo after months of high-profile staff exits and executive turmoil at CBS News.
What People Are Searching For
Viewers are seeking clarity on who is leading 60 Minutes following the departure of several longtime news personalities. Questions surrounding the sudden editorial restructuring led by CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss have sparked widespread online interest regarding who will host the network's flagship newsmagazine this fall.
What Is Confirmed
CBS News officially added New York Times opinion columnist Ross Douthat as a full-time correspondent. Longtime network anchor Norah O’Donnell was also promoted to a full-time correspondent role on the broadcast. Three new contributors were brought on board: author and documentarian Sebastian Junger, journalist and filmmaker Gianna Toboni, and British broadcaster Trevor Phillips.
These roster additions come after extensive newsroom exits earlier in the year. Executive producer Tanya Simon and correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega were ousted in late spring. Correspondent Scott Pelley was dismissed after challenging management, while CNN anchor Anderson Cooper chose not to renew his contract. Veteran correspondents Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim chose to remain with the newsmagazine.
An exceptional lineup of journalists will be joining 60 Minutes, carrying on its tradition of fearless, independent and impartial reporting.
What Is Unconfirmed
While the newsroom changes follow public disagreements over network management, specific future assignment topics for individual new correspondents have not been disclosed by CBS News. The division has also not confirmed if additional full-time correspondents will be hired before the season premiere.
The Bigger Picture
The newsroom overhaul represents a significant shift in corporate strategy at Paramount and CBS News following leadership adjustments under corporate owner David Ellison and Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss. By bringing in print columnists, podcast hosts, and documentary filmmakers like Ross Douthat and Sebastian Junger, the network is branching out beyond traditional television news ranks to reach digital and modern news audiences.
Latest Status
The 60 Minutes team is currently on its traditional summer hiatus, conducting story production behind the scenes. The newly updated roster is scheduled to make its on-air debut when the program returns for its 59th season on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the new correspondents joining 60 Minutes?
New York Times opinion columnist Ross Douthat and former CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell have been named full-time correspondents for the upcoming season.
Who are the new contributors on 60 Minutes?
Author Sebastian Junger, former VICE and CNN journalist Gianna Toboni, and UK broadcaster Trevor Phillips have joined as regular contributors.
Which veteran correspondents are staying on the show?
Longtime correspondents Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim remain with the newsmagazine for its 59th season.
When does the new season of 60 Minutes premiere?
The 59th season of 60 Minutes is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, September 13, 2026, following its summer hiatus.
Resources
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