NEW YORK — Nick Bilton was appointed as the new executive producer of 60 Minutes, replacing Tanya Simon. This change follows recent dismissals of program personnel, including correspondents Scott Pelley, Sharyn Alfonsi, and Cecilia Vega.
Pelley, whose dismissal was confirmed on Tuesday, issued a statement regarding his departure. "New management has instructed me to inject falsehoods and bias into a politically sensitive story," Pelley said. He added, "I have been told to include assertions that are unverified."
Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss addressed Pelley's departure. "That foundation was broken on Monday, and despite our attempts to engage with Scott Pelley and to find a way back, unfortunately we were not able to do so, and so we had to part ways," Weiss said.
Pelley responded to Weiss's comments. "Bari Weiss knows what she said is not true," Pelley said. He stated, "In the meeting on Tuesday, in which I was effectively fired, there was no effort to find a way back." Weiss addressed the situation further, stating, "We did not want that to happen, but that is the path that he chose."
Other dismissals from the program included executive editor Dragaan Mihailovich and senior producers Guy Campanile and Matthew Polevoy. Correspondent Anderson Cooper announced his departure from the program in February. Former Executive Producer Jeff Fager commented on Pelley's dismissal. "I cannot imagine running 60 Minutes without Scott," Fager said. He added, "His is the most remarkable body of work in the history of the broadcast." Fager also stated, "It is hobbled without him."
Bilton previously worked as a technology columnist and documentarian before this appointment. Norah O'Donnell and Major Garrett have recently contributed segments to the program. The program premiered on September 24, 1968, and has aired for 58 seasons. Looking ahead, the program intends to launch its 59th season in the fall.