Lesley Stahl’s dedication to CBS News’ “60 Minutes” seems unwavering. Despite a recent report suggesting she contemplated leaving the show after a disagreement with Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, sources have told The Post she has no intention of quitting.
The controversy began when Weiss, alongside her deputy Charles Forelle, took a very active role in editing Stahl’s piece about Israeli settlers in the West Bank. This prompted Stahl to, allegedly, consider stepping away from the show, as highlighted by the Status newsletter.
According to Status, Forelle suggested postponing the segment, but Stahl resisted and ultimately got her segment aired on Sunday.
In response to the reports, CBS News dismissed the claims as “ludicrous,” asserting that Stahl’s segment underwent a thorough editorial review.
Insiders close to Stahl noted that at 84 years old, she’s not going anywhere. One source remarked that she has an “addiction” to being part of the newsmagazine, indicating her drive for visibility is strong.
It’s her life, really. What else would she do? Lectures, like her former colleagues Scott Pelley and Sharyn Alfonsi? Those two haven’t been in the limelight lately, after all.
Additionally, another insider mentioned that Stahl had recently signed a new two-year contract to stay on the program after Weiss made significant changes, including the dismissal of Pelley, Alfonsi, and others. The firings occurred amid complaints from correspondents that Weiss was introducing bias into their reports—a claim CBS News has denied.
This incident marked a pivotal moment for Stahl and her fellow “60 Minutes” veterans, Bill Whitaker and Jon Wertheim, who had to grapple with whether to remain with CBS or resign in protest.
Ultimately, they renewed their contracts, with David Ellison, the head of CBS News’ parent company, personally assuring Stahl of the continued editorial independence of “60 Minutes.”
“If she didn’t leave then, she’s not going to leave now,” one insider claimed, emphasizing her commitment.
Although some reports suggested that Stahl considered quitting due to her conflict with Weiss—a known “Zionist fanatic”— it also hinted at an evolving power dynamic at CBS News.
“Bari is between a rock and a hard place, and Lesley knows that,” said one source, reflecting on Weiss’ past issues with Alfonsi regarding a contentious story on President Trump’s deportation policies.
The segment, which Weiss initially shelved, eventually aired a month later with minimal edits. Alfonsi’s contract was not renewed following those events.
In Stahl’s situation, it appears Weiss opted not to delay the West Bank segment, perhaps to avoid further negative press for her superior, Ellison, especially after the merger involving Warner Bros. Discovery.
Weiss was previously considered to lead CNN following the merger, but Ellison decided to keep Mark Thompson at the helm. This decision sparked speculation about Weiss’ future role at Skydance—whether she would stay in her current position or transition to a different role once the networks consolidate.
Some suggest she might have to adjust her approach, with a former CBS executive commenting that Ellison likely wants to avoid getting entangled in disputes at the network.
The Post has reached out to both Stahl and CBS News for comments.
