Henry Schuster, a veteran producer with nearly two decades at CBS News, announced his departure from "60 Minutes," marking the latest exit from the venerable news magazine. Schuster's departure, however, was planned and not directly linked to the recent significant changes and firings implemented under Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss.

Schuster informed then-executive producer Tanya Simon in February of his intention to leave, requesting to stay through the end of the season. "When I went to Tanya [Simon] in February, I told her I was ready to go, that I needed a break," Schuster wrote in a farewell message to colleagues. He noted that his departure on Monday was overshadowed by the "forced departures of so many colleagues and friends at the broadcast."

In his message, Schuster paid tribute to fired correspondent Scott Pelley, crediting him with bringing him to "60 Minutes" from CNN and for many of his memorable assignments over the years. IMAGE1

The recent upheaval at "60 Minutes" began before Weiss's arrival as editor-in-chief, with the resignation of longtime executive producer Bill Owens, who cited growing corporate involvement and a loss of editorial independence. Following Weiss's appointment by Paramount Skydance, several prominent figures were dismissed, including Owens' successor Tanya Simon, correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, senior executive producer Draggan Mihailovich, producer Guy Campanile, and digital operations chief Matthew Polevoy. IMAGE2

The significant changes culminated in the dismissal of Scott Pelley, who reportedly confronted newly installed executive producer Nick Bilton during a staff meeting, accusing Weiss of intending to dismantle the program.

Anderson Cooper, another correspondent with nearly two decades at "60 Minutes," also departed earlier this year, stating a desire to focus on his family and his work at CNN, although reports suggested discomfort with the direction of CBS News under Weiss. IMAGE4

The remaining "60 Minutes" correspondents—Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim—opted to stay with the program. In a joint memo, they expressed that their decision was not an endorsement of the current management but a commitment to preventing "60 Minutes" from ceasing to exist. IMAGE10

CBS News did not immediately respond to a request for comment.