From Business Insider · James Faris · · 1m 30s
60 Minutes loses 2 million viewers in its Bari Weiss era debut
The revamped CBS newsmagazine opened its season with ratings down more than 20% after a summer of firings and exits.
In brief
The revamped CBS newsmagazine opened its season with ratings down more than 20% after a summer of firings and exits. The new 60 Minutes lost about 2 million premiere viewers, so the Weiss and Bilton overhaul has not won audiences over yet. Originally reported by Business Insider.
Premiere ratings drop over 20%
About 7.9 million people watched Sunday's season debut, according to Nielsen. Last fall's premiere drew about 10 million.
A new producer in charge
The episode was the first run by lead producer Nick Bilton, whom top CBS News editor Bari Weiss picked in May. A staff memo called the night a big moment for the network.
“a big moment for 60 Minutes and CBS”
What the episode covered
It featured the US Air Force pilot who survived being shot down in Iran, a profile of Rams coach Sean McVay, and "pardon brokers" who claim they can sway presidential pardons.
A summer of exits
Scott Pelley, Cecilia Vega, Sharyn Alfonsi and Anderson Cooper all left. Bilton fired Pelley after Pelley questioned his qualifications and accused Weiss of "murdering" the show.
Veterans stay, new faces arrive
Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker and Jon Wertheim stayed after Bilton promised high standards. He also updated the graphics and hired Ross Douthat from The New York Times.
“don't want to see 60 Minutes die”
Weiss faces bias claims
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison put Weiss in charge of CBS News last fall. The former Times opinion editor has been accused of political bias and editorial interference, which she denies.
The big picture
The new 60 Minutes lost about 2 million premiere viewers, so the Weiss and Bilton overhaul has not won audiences over yet.
