CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss has reportedly intervened in another politically sensitive story, reassigning a planned "60 Minutes" interview with British populist politician Nigel Farage. Veteran correspondent Holly Williams was informed that newly hired senior global affairs correspondent Sir Trevor Phillips would conduct the interview instead, according to a report by Breaker Media.
The story was originally approved by former executive producer Tanya Simon and assigned to Williams and producer Erin Lyall before Nick Bilton took over as executive producer. Farage's political standing has recently come under scrutiny following his resignation from Parliament and triggering a by-election, amid allegations of undisclosed financial support.
Breaker Media also reported that some veteran "60 Minutes" producers have expressed reluctance to work on the story due to past criticism of Phillips' views on Islam. However, a source close to the situation disputed this account, stating that no story assignments for the upcoming season have been finalized and that development remains fluid. This source added that Phillips does not officially join CBS News until later this month and that it is inaccurate to suggest producers are refusing to work on an unassigned story.
This marks the second instance in recent months where Weiss has reportedly replaced a veteran correspondent on a high-profile international interview. In May, Major Garrett was reportedly assigned a sit-down with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, an interview that Lesley Stahl had reportedly been working to secure for months.
A source familiar with the situation pushed back against claims of improper editorial interference, asserting that overseeing significant editorial decisions is a core responsibility of an editor-in-chief. This source defended Phillips, citing his record of challenging Farage and his allies on past remarks.
The report of the Farage interview reassignment comes amid a period of significant upheaval for "60 Minutes." The program has experienced turmoil following the departure of longtime executive producer Bill Owens, who cited increasing corporate involvement as diminishing his editorial independence. Following Owens' resignation, his successor Tanya Simon, along with other senior staff and correspondents, were dismissed as part of a broad overhaul. This period of change has also seen veteran correspondent Scott Pelley reportedly confront Weiss and Bilton during a staff meeting.
Despite the internal shifts, Bilton has reportedly sought to reassure staff about the program's journalistic independence. He is expected to hire additional correspondents and establish a dedicated investigative unit as "60 Minutes" prepares for its fall season.