---
title: "60 Minutes opens 59th season with no mention of off-season changes"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/media/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-with-no-mention-of-off-season-changes"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-with-no-mention-of-off-season-changes"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/media/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-with-no-mention-of-off-season-changes.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-with-no-mention-of-off-season-changes"
category: "Media"
published: "2026-09-14T18:46:04.523Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-14T17:58:16.019Z"
updated: "2026-09-14T19:00:13.128Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 61
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-14T19:39:35.359Z"
---

# 60 Minutes opens 59th season with no mention of off-season changes

*The newsmagazine debuted its new season on CBS-TV without addressing recent staff departures and leadership shifts.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claims attributed to named individuals, but key facts hedged with 'reportedly' and anonymous sourcing.
- Craft 61 of 100, higher is better. Quotes affected parties, names specific people and dates, and states what happens next.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headline promises a 'makeover' that the article's body does not fully support.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- The newsmagazine "60 Minutes" began its 59th season on CBS-TV on Sunday night.
- The premiere episode did not directly mention the off-season changes and staff departures.
- An announcer noted "new faces" would appear on the show this season.
- Bari Weiss, CBS News leader, had previously stated the show would take a "new approach."

The newsmagazine "60 Minutes" launched its 59th season on CBS-TV on Sunday evening. The broadcast did not directly reference the behind-the-scenes upheaval and staff changes that have taken place in recent months. Hosts waited until the programme's conclusion to acknowledge any alterations.

Near the end of the show, an announcer segued from a discussion about artificial intelligence safety to the topic of journalism and "60 Minutes." The announcer stated that for nearly 60 years, the programme has represented "journalism you can trust" and that it will be needed in the future. The announcer also mentioned that there would be "new faces" on the show this season.

## Disagreement on off-season turmoil

Washington Top News reported that CBS News leader Bari Weiss had stated the show would adopt a "new approach," which included the dismissal of the top producer and two correspondents. This report also stated that Scott Pelley was absent from the show, having been fired after a confrontation with management. It further stated that Anderson Cooper left of his own accord and that two other correspondents, Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, were let go. The Los Angeles Times digest stated that the newsmagazine stuck to its usual formula and tone despite the upheaval behind the scenes.

## What the coverage left out

No right-rated reports mentioned that Scott Pelley was absent from the show, that Anderson Cooper left of his own accord, or that Nick Bilton was appointed executive producer, replacing Tanya Simon.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 42 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 57% (24)
- Centre: 26% (11)
- Right: 17% (7)

8 of 50 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-14T19:39:35.359Z.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 9 times; 1 check found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-14T21:00:12.786Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The Los Angeles Times digest noted that "60 Minutes" made its Sunday debut after a "Bari Weiss makeover." The digest stated that the venerable newsmagazine stuck to its usual formula and tone despite the upheaval behind the scenes.

### Centre

- Washington Top News reported that the "60 Minutes" 59th season opened on CBS-TV on Sunday night. The report stated that the show did not directly mention the off-season turmoil and departures. It noted that an announcer mentioned "new faces" would be on the show this season. The report detailed that CBS News leader Bari Weiss had said the show would take a "new approach," and that this included firing the top producer and two correspondents. It also stated that Scott Pelley was absent, having been fired, and that Anderson Cooper left of his own accord. The report mentioned that Pelley had made accusations against the organisation's leaders, which CBS denied. It also referenced a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump against the show over an interview edit in 2024, and stated that Nick Bilton was appointed executive producer, replacing Tanya Simon. Correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega were also mentioned as being let go.

### Right

- Several right-rated digests reported that '60 Minutes' began its 59th season on CBS on Sunday night. These reports stated the program did not directly mention recent behind-the-scenes turmoil and departures. The digests noted hosts waited until the show's conclusion to acknowledge any changes.
- The digests from Jonesboro Sun, MY Northwest, The Batesville Daily Guard, The Daily Sentinel, and regionalmedianews.com used similar phrasing to describe the lack of direct mention of off-season turmoil. Times of India reported the program launched with new faces after CBS turmoil, acknowledging changes briefly.
- PJ Media's digest focused on Bari Weiss's era at '60 Minutes' and her impact on CBS News. None of the right-rated digests mentioned specific names of departing correspondents or producers.

**Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 5
- high: 31
- unknown: 9
- veryHigh: 5

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Lodinews.com](https://lodinews.com/entertainment/article_e4a18e1e-f1da-5b43-84ea-f218acb21370.html) — After a Bari Weiss makeover, “60 Minutes” makes its Sunday debut
- [Los Angeles Times](https://latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2026-09-14/after-bari-weiss-makeover-60-minutes-makes-its-sunday-debut) — After a Bari Weiss makeover, "60 Minutes" makes its Sunday debut
- [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/national/2026/09/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season-turmoil) — ’60 Minutes’ opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show’s off-season turmoil – WTOP News
- [TV News Check](https://tvnewscheck.com/journalism/article/the-bari-weiss-era-of-60-minutes-begins) — The Bari Weiss Era Of ‘60 Minutes’ Begins
- [PJ Media](https://pjmedia.com/vodkapundit/2026/09/14/begun-the-bari-weiss-era-at-60-minutes-has-n4957212) — Begun, the Bari Weiss Era at 60 Minutes Has... But for How Long?
- [The Washington Post](https://washingtonpost.com/business/2026/09/14/60-minutes-starts-afresh-following-summer-turmoil) — ‘60 Minutes’ starts fresh following a summer of turmoil
- [regionalmedianews.com](https://regionalmedianews.com/news/national/business/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season-turmoil) — ’60 Minutes’ opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show’s off-season turmoil - Regional Media News
- [HuffPost](https://huffpost.com/entry/ap-us-media-60-minutes_n_6aa76a22e4b0781f96930620) — '60 Minutes' Opens 59th Season On CBS With No Direct Mention Of Show's Off-Season Turmoil
- [Times of India](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/60-minutes-returns-with-new-faces-after-cbs-turmoil/articleshow/134231758.cms) — ‘60 Minutes’ returns with new faces after CBS turmoil
- [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/national/11137888/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season-turmoil.html) — ’60 Minutes’ opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show’s off-season turmoil
- [Airdrie City View](https://airdriecityview.com/lifestyle/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season-turmoil-12774045) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [Loonie Politics](https://looniepolitics.com/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season-turmoil) — ’60 Minutes’ opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show’s off-season turmoil
- [Medicine Hat News](https://medicinehatnews.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2026/09/13/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season-turmoil) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [Rocky Mountain Outlook](https://rmoutlook.com/lifestyle/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season-turmoil-12774045) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/business/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-show-s-off-season-turmoil/article_5cedaabf-58a8-5004-a032-c8d489bd7f47.html) — ‘60 Minutes’ opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show’s off-season turmoil
- [WellandTribune.ca](https://wellandtribune.ca/business/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-show-s-off-season-turmoil/article_829448c2-63fe-51e2-b771-2f13a86192da.html) — ‘60 Minutes’ opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show’s off-season turmoil
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/entertainment/2026/09/13/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season-turmoil) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [thealbertan.com](https://thealbertan.com/lifestyle/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season-turmoil-12774045) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [WBAL](https://wbal.com/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season-turmoil) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention
- [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/business/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season-turmoil) — ’60 Minutes’ opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show’s off-season turmoil
- [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/news/world/united-states/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-show-s-off-season-turmoil/article_97447ab6-4e80-5e2f-b099-1b53d650fb97.html) — ‘60 Minutes’ opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show’s off-season turmoil
- [Newsday](https://newsday.com/news/nation/60-minutes-bari-weiss-cbs-news-r78418) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/60-minutes-bari-weiss-cbs-news-d1375cb26d09fe5dc9aaa5d1cb0fb34e) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [Cherokee Tribune Ledger News](https://tribuneledgernews.com/local_news/state_and_national/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season/article_b81bc47d-745e-5099-afa9-b3a80a915f20.html) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [Daily News-Record](https://dnronline.com/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season/article_323a19d8-071d-5c7d-82b6-bca07c569041.html) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [GazetteXtra](https://gazettextra.com/entertainment/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season/article_5821fe36-0e08-5f6c-ab13-c519ff7131de.html) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [Jonesboro Sun](https://jonesborosun.com/news/national/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season/article_4adb2679-6fca-5675-8a81-48cc4676265f.html) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [KTBS](https://ktbs.com/news/business/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season/article_54565e95-de37-5e31-9fba-cb1402856402.html) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [Oskaloosa Herald](https://oskaloosa.com/news/national_news/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season/article_66ee6b38-9a69-528c-a6e9-bf6c900eb20f.html) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [Ottumwa Courier](https://ottumwacourier.com/news/national_news/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season/article_f93780d9-2984-50a2-bf27-407f1301e4e4.html) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [Richmond Register](https://richmondregister.com/ap/business/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season/article_6f383405-a3f1-5a1d-b72c-fe7fcb63f709.html) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [The Batesville Daily Guard](https://guardonline.com/news/national/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season/article_acbf2b2a-5380-53fe-aff0-6c6e6ab9c9d2.html) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [The Daily Sentinel](https://dailysentinel.com/anpa/us/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season/article_982cb212-f29f-54e4-9678-93db6b1ad266.html) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/new-york-cbs-anderson-cooper-paramount-one-b3049572.html) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/new-york-cbs-anderson-cooper-paramount-one-b3049572.html) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [The Standard-Journal](https://standard-journal.com/ap/business/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season/article_d4f0c7ba-86fe-54da-8d99-edbf341766df.html) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [WFMZ](https://wfmz.com/news/ap/ap-business/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season/article_2a4043ae-3ad4-5bc8-8aa5-fe21ec782fad.html) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [Bangor Daily News](https://bangordailynews.com/2026/09/13/nation/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season-turmoil) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [MY Northwest](https://mynorthwest.com/national/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season-turmoil/4275654) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [News 4 JAX](https://news4jax.com/news/politics/2026/09/14/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season-turmoil) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/news/politics/2026/09/14/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season-turmoil) — '60 Minutes' opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show's off-season turmoil
- [MSNBCTV NEWS](https://msnbctv.news/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-on-cbs-with-no-direct-mention-of-shows-off-season-turmoil) — ’60 Minutes’ opens 59th season on CBS with no direct mention of show’s off-season turmoil
- [Variety](https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/60-minutes-season-59-launch-cbs-news-old-tricks-ticks-1236860783) — ’60 Minutes’ Kicks Off Much-Scrutinized 59th Season With Old Ticks, Tricks
- [USA Today](https://usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2026/09/13/cbs-60-minutes-season-59-premiere-recap-scott-pelley-fired/91672984007) — CBS' '60 Minutes' returns without Scott Pelley – Inside the Season 59 premiere
- [The Wrap](https://thewrap.com/media-platforms/tv/60-minutesn-leadership-memo-season-premiere) — Read the '60 Minutes' Memo Sent to Staff Ahead of Season Premiere Under New Leadership
- [Business Insider](https://businessinsider.com/cbs-news-60-minutes-relaunch-employee-memo-bari-weiss-2026-9) — Read the memo: CBS News leadership is selling staffers on '60 Minutes' as it relaunches under Bari Weiss
- [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/28040effdcce9f66) — Read the memo: CBS News leadership is selling staffers on '60 Minutes' as it relaunches under Bari Weiss
- [The Hollywood Reporter](https://hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/nick-bilton-bari-weiss-60-minutes-staff-memo-ahead-premiere-1236699615) — Nick Bilton, Bari Weiss, Tom Cibrowski Send Congratulatory ’60 Minutes’ Memo to Staff Ahead of Season Premiere
- [Political Wire](https://politicalwire.com/2026/09/13/the-bari-weiss-era-of-60-minutes-begins) — The Bari Weiss Era of ‘60 Minutes’ Begins
- [npr](https://npr.org/2026/09/13/nx-s1-5961285/60-minutes-is-back-with-many-new-faces-before-and-behind-the-camera) — 60 Minutes is back with many new faces — before and behind the camera

## Questions

**When did "60 Minutes" begin its 59th season?**

The newsmagazine "60 Minutes" began its 59th season on CBS-TV on Sunday night. The premiere episode did not directly address the behind-the-scenes turmoil and staff changes that have occurred in recent months.

**Did the "60 Minutes" premiere mention the off-season changes?**

The "60 Minutes" season premiere on Sunday night did not directly mention the off-season turmoil and staff departures. Hosts waited until the end of the show to acknowledge that anything different was going on, with an announcer noting "new faces" would appear this season.

**Who was appointed executive producer of "60 Minutes"?**

Nick Bilton was appointed executive producer of "60 Minutes," replacing Tanya Simon. This change was part of the "new approach" that CBS News leader Bari Weiss had stated the show would take.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/media/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-with-no-mention-of-off-season-changes. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "60 Minutes opens 59th season with no mention of off-season changes", https://mediabias.news/media/60-minutes-opens-59th-season-with-no-mention-of-off-season-changes