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Viewership Dips Amidst '60 Minutes' Reporting Dispute
14 Oct
Summary
- An episode averaged 6.06 million viewers, a 12% decline from last season.
- A dispute between Lesley Stahl and Bari Weiss delayed a report on Israeli settlers.
- The program saw leadership changes and correspondent departures recently.
An episode of "60 Minutes" recently attracted an average of 6.06 million viewers. This figure represents a 12% decrease compared to the previous season's comparable episode and a significant 41% drop from the prior week's audience.
The program's viewership, particularly among the coveted 25-54 demographic, has declined, with only 767,000 viewers in this group compared to 946,000 a year prior. This decline occurred despite recent changes aimed at improving stability, including executive producer Tanya Simon being replaced by Nick Bilton.
Internal friction reportedly surfaced over a segment focusing on Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Correspondent Lesley Stahl's report allegedly led to a dispute with CBS News Editor in Chief Bari Weiss, causing promotion delays.
Several correspondents, including Scott Pelley, Cecilia Vega, and Sharyn Alfonsi, have also departed the program. Anderson Cooper left after his contract concluded. While new contributors have strong backgrounds, their experience with weekly, long-form television journalism is limited.
