CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss is making significant changes to "60 Minutes" ahead of its 59th season, appointing New York Times columnist Ross Douthat as a new correspondent. Newly named "60 Minutes" executive producer Nick Bilton announced the addition to staff on Tuesday.
"He makes controversial topics approachable and renders characters and points of view with richness and compassion. Ross will bring this big and ranging curiosity to our air," Bilton said in a memo obtained by Fox News Digital regarding Douthat, who spent 17 years at The New York Times.
Kathleen Kingsbury, The New York Times Opinion editor, acknowledged Douthat's departure, stating in a note to staff, "We are enormously grateful, and we will miss you." A spokesperson for The Times declined to comment further.
CBS News veteran Norah O'Donnell will also join "60 Minutes" as a correspondent. Bilton noted in his memo that O'Donnell has contributed to the program for over a decade, including interviews with notable figures such as Pope Francis, President Trump, President Biden, and Mohammed bin Salman.
Other new contributors announced include journalist and documentary filmmaker Sebastian Junger, former Vice News correspondent Gianna Toboni, and former Sky News presenter Trevor Phillips.
"We couldn’t be more excited about this news. Please join us in welcoming these new colleagues," Weiss and CBS News President Tom Cibrowski said in a joint statement to network staff.
The changes come amid a series of departures from "60 Minutes," including executive producer Tanya Simon and correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega. Veteran correspondents Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim are slated to remain with the program. Anderson Cooper announced his exit earlier this year.