Overview
- On May 28 the program lost several senior producers and correspondents in a rapid shakeup that staff call "Black Thursday," triggering widespread concern inside the newsroom.
- Veteran correspondent Scott Pelley publicly challenged new leadership on June 1 and was fired days later, deepening staff outrage and public attention.
- Nick Bilton, the new executive producer, has moved to stabilize operations by promoting veteran producers and hiring outside aides including consultant Kelly Funke and operations manager Nick De Lucca.
- Paramount CEO David Ellison privately called Lesley Stahl to promise noninterference in 60 Minutes’ editorial decisions, but many journalists and staff remain skeptical of management’s motives.
- The dispute centers on specific editorial interventions alleged by former staff, recalls a $16 million settlement with President Trump over a prior interview, and raises questions about broader news oversight if Ellison gains control of Warner Bros. Discovery.