A longtime producer for CBS News' "60 Minutes" has publicly criticized the network's recent management changes, alleging that the division under Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss has prioritized style over substance by promoting inexperienced anchors and "on-line opinionists."
Guy Campanile, who served as managing editor of "60 Minutes" for 34 years before his departure three months ago, detailed his grievances in a social media post. He claimed that he and other colleagues were dismissed because they "refused to be accomplices in the destruction of the most prestigious news program on American television."
Campanile, 58, specifically derided the strategy of showcasing anchors with "shallow experience but blessed with exceptional haircuts." He also stated that the network's current approach involves hyping content to a degree where discerning genuine importance is difficult. He further critiqued the integration of self-described influencers and online commentators into news institutions, suggesting some have been given control over significant reporting outlets like CBS News. This comment appeared to allude to Weiss's background as an opinion writer for publications such as The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.
Sources suggested that Campanile's remark about anchors with "exceptional haircuts" might refer to figures like "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil, who previously worked as a hair model, and correspondent Matt Gutman. Weiss reportedly hired Gutman as a CBS News correspondent and a "60 Minutes" contributor. Norah O'Donnell, co-host of "CBS Mornings" and a "60 Minutes" correspondent, was also mentioned.
Campanile also pointed to other hires made under Weiss, including longevity podcaster Peter Attia, who was reportedly let go after his connection to Jeffrey Epstein surfaced, and controversial neuroscientist Andrew Huberman. New York Times opinion columnist Ross Douthat was also hired as a "60 Minutes" correspondent.
Campanile indicated that he and his former "60 Minutes" colleagues, including executive producer Tanya Simon, executive editor Draggan Mihailovich, senior producer Matthew Polevoy, and correspondents Scott Pelley, Sharyn Alfonsi, and Cecilia Vega, were terminated as part of an overhaul of the program. He described his tenure and subsequent departure after some time for reflection.
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Campanile urged his former colleagues to resist further changes, stating, "Don’t give an inch because they will keep scraping away until there’s nothing left worth a damn."
While Campanile has not disclosed his future plans, reports suggest that he and other former "60 Minutes" staff members are considering launching a rival news series.