Steve Kroft, a veteran correspondent who spent three decades on 60 Minutes, has delivered a scathing critique of the show's work environment, describing it as a 'snake pit' and saying he 'hated' his time there. According to major media reports, Kroft noted that if given the chance, he 'probably wouldn't do it again,' citing a lack of civility in the newsroom where friendliness often came with ulterior motives. He said colleagues were paranoid, thinking 'someone is behind them going to put a shiv in their back,' and that not everyone was happy when he got the job, as others wanted it, making him enemies. These comments, made on a podcast, highlight long-standing tensions within the program as it undergoes significant changes under new leadership.
Kroft joined 60 Minutes in 1989 and retired in 2019 as its longest-tenured correspondent, according to major media reports, marking a 30-year career that included notable interviews. In 1992, he interviewed Hillary Clinton and then-future President Bill Clinton amidst allegations of an extramarital affair, a segment that became a defining moment in political journalism. According to The Independent - World, Hillary Clinton described her stance during that interview, emphasizing her agency and respect for her husband rather than a passive role. This interview underscored Kroft's role in high-profile journalism, contrasting with his later criticisms of the show's internal culture.
Bari Weiss was appointed editor-in-chief of CBS News in October, a move that signals impending major changes for 60 Minutes, as reported by major media. Research indicates she was handpicked by David Ellison after he acquired The Free Press for $150 million, positioning her to reshape the network's editorial direction. Her early actions have included personal involvement in booking network guests, such as Hillary Clinton and Benjamin Netanyahu, according to research, reflecting a hands-on approach to programming. This appointment comes amid broader corporate shifts, with Weiss expected to implement a new vision for CBS News and its flagship program.
Weiss's management style has already sparked controversy and staff reactions, with research indicating she asked 60 Minutes staff why people think they're biased, causing stunned awkwardness. According to major media reports, she told employees in January they should leave if they don't believe she's the 'right leader' for the network, a statement that has drawn internal backlash. Additionally, major media reports note she shocked employees and drew backlash after she introduced herself to President Donald Trump and exchanged kisses, actions that have fueled debates about her public conduct and its impact on newsroom morale. These incidents suggest a divisive start to her tenure, with staff grappling with her assertive leadership methods.
I'm not sitting here some little woman standing by my man like Tammy Wynette. I'm sitting here because I love him, and I respect him.
Editorial decisions under Weiss have included significant programming changes, with research showing she withheld a 60 Minutes segment on a prison in El Salvador scheduled to air on December 21, citing need for more reporting. According to www.aljazeera.com, Bari Weiss described in an all-hands meeting that focusing only on broadcast would lead to failure, indicating a shift toward digital and multi-platform strategies. Research also indicates she is booking network guests personally, including high-profile figures like Hillary Clinton and Benjamin Netanyahu, as part of efforts to revamp content. These moves reflect a broader editorial overhaul aimed at modernizing CBS News's approach amid changing media landscapes.
Staffing changes and restructuring have been a key focus under Weiss, with CBS News announcing plans to hire 18 new commentators and make staffing cuts, according to research. New hires include conservative podcasters Niall Ferguson and Patrick McGee, as reported by research, signaling a diversification of voices at the network. Under Weiss and Paramount boss David Ellison's leadership, CBS News cut about 6 percent of its staff and shut down CBS Radio last month, according to major media reports, part of cost-saving measures amid corporate transitions. These restructuring efforts aim to streamline operations while introducing new talent, though they have contributed to internal uncertainty and concerns about job security.
The withheld 60 Minutes segment on an El Salvador prison contained interviews with Venezuelan men deported by the Trump administration to a prison in El Salvador, according to research. There is a contradiction regarding the prison's name: some sources refer to it as CECOT (Centro de Confiniamento del Terrorismo), while others call it CERCOT mega prison, a discrepancy that could indicate confusion about the official name or different transliterations, potentially affecting clarity in reporting on the segment's content. The segment's withholding has raised questions about editorial oversight and the reasons behind the decision, beyond the cited need for more reporting. This incident highlights the challenges Weiss faces in balancing journalistic rigor with timely broadcasting.
Donald Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against CBS in 2024 over editing of a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, according to research, alleging biased treatment. Paramount settled the Trump lawsuit for $16 million in July last year, as reported by research, resolving a high-profile legal dispute that had financial and reputational implications for the network. The settlement's impact on CBS's finances and editorial policies remains unclear, as the network continues to navigate political pressures and legal challenges. This lawsuit underscores the contentious environment in which CBS News operates, with external legal actions adding to internal management pressures.
Focusing only on broadcast would lead to failure.
Corporate context includes the Federal Communications Commission approving an $8 billion merger of Skydance Media and Paramount Global in July last year, according to research, a move that has reshaped ownership and strategic direction. This merger, involving David Ellison's Skydance Media, has influenced leadership appointments like Weiss's and driven restructuring efforts at CBS News. The corporate changes reflect broader industry consolidation, with implications for newsroom autonomy and resource allocation. As CBS News adapts to these shifts, the focus remains on how Weiss's editorial vision aligns with corporate goals under the new Paramount-Skydance entity.
What specific changes Bari Weiss plans to implement at 60 Minutes beyond staffing cuts and new hires are not yet fully known, leaving staff and observers anticipating further announcements. The exact reasons why Weiss withheld the 60 Minutes segment on the El Salvador prison, beyond citing 'need for more reporting,' also remain unclear, fueling speculation about editorial priorities or external pressures. Additionally, the full extent of internal backlash at CBS News over Weiss's management decisions and public actions has not been publicly detailed, though reports indicate significant discontent among employees.
Whether Steve Kroft's critical comments reflect widespread sentiment among current or former 60 Minutes staff is uncertain, as no broad surveys or statements from other correspondents have confirmed similar views. How the $16 million settlement of Trump's lawsuit against CBS impacts the network's finances and editorial policies is another unknown, with potential effects on budgeting and risk management yet to be assessed. These uncertainties contribute to a climate of speculation and concern as CBS News navigates a period of transformation under new leadership.
In summary, the combination of Kroft's revelations, Weiss's controversial tenure, editorial shifts, staffing changes, and corporate mergers paints a picture of a network in flux. As 60 Minutes undergoes its most significant overhaul in years, the outcomes of these changes will depend on Weiss's ability to balance innovation with journalistic integrity, amid internal and external challenges. The coming months are likely to reveal more about the direction of CBS News and the legacy of its flagship program.