United News of Bangladesh

CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss has replaced the executive producer of “60 Minutes,” saying the long-running program needs a new direction to move forward. Weiss appointed Nick Bilton, a technology journalist and documentary filmmaker, as the new head of the show. Tanya Simon, who had worked with the program for 30 years and became executive producer about a year ago, will be stepping down. The changes come after a period of instability for “60 Minutes,” the iconic news program that began in 1968 and is famous for its ticking stopwatch. In a memo to staff on Thursday, Weiss and CBS News President Tom Cibrowski said they aim to build a version of “60 Minutes” that can succeed in today’s media environment. They said this includes expanding the show beyond its traditional one-hour format, strengthening its role across CBS News, and maintaining the high standards of fairness, ambition and fearless reporting that made it successful. Bilton, a former New York Times technology columnist, was described as someone who brings fresh energy and vision. In his own message to staff, he called “60 Minutes” one of the most important journalism brands in television history, but stressed the need to adapt to changing audience habits. He said while the show’s legacy should be preserved, it must evolve as the way people consume news continues to change. The shake-up also reportedly includes the departure of correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, according to a person familiar with the matter. Weiss, founder of the Free Press website, has been a controversial figure since joining CBS News under new management in October. Her decisions have drawn attention, especially regarding editorial choices and coverage. Last year, the network settled a lawsuit filed by former U.S. President Donald Trump over an interview with Kamala Harris. In another incident, a report on deportees was delayed at the last minute, with some inside the network questioning whether the move was politically influenced. Critics have been watching closely to see if Weiss is steering CBS News in a direction more favorable to Trump. Since her arrival, officials from his administration have appeared more frequently on the network, sometimes in interviews she helped arrange. In February, Anderson Cooper also left the program, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family, although his departure raised questions about whether it was linked to the leadership changes. Cooper had contributed to “60 Minutes” while continuing his role as host of CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360,” which he has anchored since 2003.