Several staffers at one of television’s most storied news programs turned down a high-profile election assignment because of worries about their own boss.
A handful of ‘60 Minutes‘ producers passed on working with newly hired correspondent Ross Douthat on a segment about Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, fearing interference from CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, the media newsletter Status reported Thursday.
The assignment ultimately went to Keith Sharman, a producer who frequently works alongside Norah O’Donnell. Executive producer Nick Bilton elevated Sharman to senior broadcast producer earlier this month after a veteran producer retired, according to an internal memo Status obtained.
The interview itself had been in doubt. Days before the ’60 Minutes’ crew arrived, CBS News chief legal correspondent Jan Crawford cheered on X as a GOP activist pressured El-Sayed to denounce the Muslim Brotherhood. Crawford later deleted the post and apologized for breaking network standards.
Network executives debated disciplining her, but Weiss blocked any serious punishment and deemed the apology sufficient, Status wrote, echoing earlier reporting from Zeteo. Some executives reportedly believed the incident called for tougher action.
El-Sayed’s campaign was already frustrated with CBS News over a widely criticized story that spotlighted him on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and Status reported that Crawford’s post left the sit-down in limbo. A spokesperson for El-Sayed declined to comment.
The interview went forward last Thursday in Michigan. The segment, which will also include Republican nominee Mike Rogers, is set to air Sunday, two days before the midterm elections. CBS News declined to comment for Status.
It’s not the first time a ’60 Minutes’ story has run into turmoil under Weiss. Status previously reported that Lesley Stahl’s report from the West Bank nearly got pulled after tense screenings, with Weiss deputy Charles Forelle suggesting it be shelved. Stahl privately raised the possibility of leaving the show before the piece ultimately aired.
The program has also struggled to hold onto viewers this season. Its latest episode drew an average of 5.7 million people, fewer than the nightly newscasts anchored by ABC’s David Muir and NBC’s Tom Llamas typically draw.
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