Henry Schuster, a veteran producer, is parting ways with “60 Minutes” after nearly two decades at CBS News. He recently made the announcement, joining a number of high-profile exits under the leadership of editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
However, it’s worth noting that his exit doesn’t stem from the ongoing transformations within the show.
According to reports, he informed former executive producer Tanya Simon in February of his desire to move on, well before the recent wave of layoffs that significantly impacted broadcasting.
In a farewell message to his colleagues, Schuster shared that Simon simply asked him to remain until the end of the season.
“When I approached Tanya in February, I let her know I was ready for a break,” he said. “She was incredibly understanding and just requested that I stay until the season wrapped up.”
He acknowledged that his departure got somewhat overshadowed by other recent changes in the program.
In his LinkedIn post announcing his exit, Schuster remarked on the departures of many colleagues and friends from the broadcast.
He also expressed gratitude to Scott Pelley, a former correspondent, stating that without Pelley, he might not have had the experiences he cherished during his tenure.
While Schuster’s departure was anticipated, it adds another notable name to the list of changes at one of the most respected news programs on television.
Challenges began prior to Weiss’s appointment last year, when longtime executive producer Bill Owens resigned due to growing corporate influence that limited his editorial control.
After Paramount Skydance appointed Weiss to lead CBS News, the network dismissed several key figures, including Simon and correspondents Sharin Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, along with others in leadership positions.
The situation escalated with the firing of Pelley, who criticized the new direction during a staff meeting, alleging Weiss was “killing” the essence of “60 Minutes.”
Anderson Cooper also departed from the show this year after nearly two decades but remains with CNN. He has expressed a desire to focus on family, though there are reports suggesting he is unhappy with the changes at CBS News under Weiss.
Meanwhile, remaining correspondents, Leslie Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and John Wertheim, debated leaving but ultimately chose to stay, articulating concerns that their departure might be interpreted as support for a management they disagreed with. They emphasized their commitment to the show’s legacy.
CBS News has not responded to requests for comment.
