Lesley Stahl Reportedly Considered Quitting '60 Minutes' Over Editorial Dispute
Sources say the veteran correspondent clashed with CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss over a segment on Israeli settlers.
Lesley Stahl, a veteran correspondent for CBS News' "60 Minutes," reportedly considered leaving the program following a disagreement with CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss over the editing of a segment on Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Sources told The Post that Weiss and her deputy, Charles Forelle, became heavily involved in the editing process, leading Stahl to contemplate her future with the show.
Despite the reported friction, sources close to Stahl maintain that the 84-year-old journalist would "never quit" "60 Minutes," describing her as "addicted" to the newsmagazine and its platform. One insider suggested that Stahl, like many anchors, craves the spotlight and that "it's her life."
The segment in question aired on Sunday, after Forelle had suggested tabling it. Stahl, however, strongly objected and ultimately saw her piece broadcast with significant input from Weiss and Forelle. CBS News has refuted the characterization of the dispute, calling the report "ludicrous" and stating that Stahl's West Bank segment underwent a "rigorous editorial process."
Sources indicated that Stahl, along with fellow "60 Minutes" correspondents Bill Whitaker and Jon Wertheim, had previously considered leaving the network during a period of significant changes. These changes followed Weiss's restructuring of CBS News, which led to the departures of other prominent figures. At that time, David Ellison, owner of CBS News parent Skydance, personally reassured Stahl of the commitment to "60 Minutes"' editorial independence.
This recent reported clash between Stahl and Weiss is seen by some as indicative of shifting power dynamics within CBS News. It follows a similar, earlier dispute where Weiss reportedly shelved a "60 Minutes" segment on migrant inmates from El Salvador's CECOT prison. That segment was later aired with minimal changes after correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi pushed back against Weiss's editorial decision, which Alfonsi reportedly characterized as political. Alfonsi's contract was not renewed following that incident.
In Stahl's case, however, the West Bank piece was not held, leading some to speculate that Weiss may have avoided a prolonged conflict to prevent further negative press or complications for Ellison, whose company recently finalized a merger involving Warner Bros. Discovery. Weiss herself has been a subject of speculation regarding her future role within Skydance following the consolidation of media assets.