CBS News Producer Michael Gabuchon Resigns After Long Tenure

Michael Gabuchon, a seasoned producer for “60 Minutes,” has decided to resign from CBS News, according to sources. His departure follows the intense scrutiny he faced regarding his work, particularly from CBS News chief Bari Weiss.

In a memo shared with the Post, Gabuchon announced that his lengthy career with CBS, spanning over four decades, will conclude on June 30. This comes amid recent layoffs affecting several prominent journalists at the network.

Gabuchon noted in his message, “Thirty-four of my 41 years at CBS News were on ’60 Minutes.’ I am an old chestnut tree standing on the shoulders of giants, and nothing could be more true,” reflecting on his significant contribution to the show.

While CBS News hasn’t commented yet, tensions have been palpable recently. Earlier this year, Gabuchon reportedly expressed frustration after Weiss reviewed a report by Anderson Cooper concerning the Trump administration’s stance on South African refugees, where the former president referred to them in controversial terms. This report, which aimed to refute Trump’s claims, aired on February 22.

Interestingly, just days before Gabuchon’s announcement, Cooper opted not to renew his contract with “60 Minutes.” In addition, staff members at the show, who were not accustomed to significant edits from management, were upset when a report on El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison was shelved due to its political implications.

Gabuchon, described by one source as “the best of the best,” continued to push forward despite the turmoil. However, he was reportedly very upset when Weiss dismissed several key figures from the team, including executive producer Tanya Simon and correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, amidst a significant overhaul of the program.

Weiss has since appointed Nick Bilton, a former New York Times technology columnist, as the new executive producer. At a meeting on June 2, correspondent Scott Perry confronted Bilton about the recent firings and questioned their qualifications, going so far as to criticize Weiss for “murdering 60 Minutes.” The following day, Perry was terminated for cause.

In the wake of these changes, both Bilton and Weiss have attempted to reassure the staff that the fundamental values of the show remain intact. Veteran correspondents like Leslie Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and John Wertheim have expressed their intent to remain with the program for the next season.

In his farewell note, Gabuchon took a moment to acknowledge the influence of the show’s previous executive producers, including Don Hewitt and Jeff Fager, marking the end of an era at CBS News.