What was once considered the gold standard of American television journalism is now facing one of the most turbulent periods in its history.
Behind the scenes at CBS News, a dramatic internal battle is unfolding—one that has already cost some of the network’s biggest names their jobs and left longtime journalists questioning the future of the legendary news program 60 Minutes.
Now, one former star of the show is making a prediction that is sending shockwaves through media circles.
Veteran correspondent Steve Kroft believes CBS News chief Bari Weiss may not be in her powerful position for much longer.
And he isn’t hiding his frustration.
The controversy erupted after months of growing tensions inside CBS News following a sweeping leadership shakeup under new ownership.
When media executive David Ellison took control and installed Weiss as editor-in-chief, many employees expected changes.
Few expected what came next.
According to former staff members, the transformation quickly evolved into something far more dramatic.
In less than a year, 60 Minutes reportedly lost most of its core correspondent team, saw top producers removed, and became engulfed in allegations that newsroom independence was being undermined.
One former staffer described the situation in blunt terms.
“We knew the program needed a facelift,” the former employee reportedly said. “But you don’t give a facelift with a machete.”
The most explosive moment came during what employees now reportedly refer to as “Black Thursday.”
Several high-profile journalists and senior newsroom leaders were dismissed in a single day, sending shockwaves through the organization.
Days later came another stunning development.
Veteran journalist Scott Pelley—one of the most recognizable faces in American television news and a fixture at CBS for nearly four decades—was reportedly pushed out after openly challenging network leadership.
For many journalists, that moment marked a turning point.
According to multiple reports, concerns had already been building regarding editorial decisions and management involvement in news coverage.
Some departing staff members alleged that completed stories were delayed, altered, or removed under circumstances they viewed as troubling.
Among the disputes were disagreements over immigration reporting, law enforcement coverage, and the handling of politically sensitive stories.
CBS News has strongly rejected allegations of political interference, maintaining that Weiss’s involvement reflected standard editorial oversight rather than ideological influence.
But critics remain unconvinced.
The controversy has intensified as more former employees speak publicly about conditions inside the newsroom.
Few have been as outspoken as Steve Kroft.
The longtime correspondent, who spent decades helping shape 60 Minutes into America’s highest-rated television news program, delivered one of the harshest assessments yet.
“They’ve been shameless in their directions and shameless in their actions,” Kroft said.
His criticism did not stop there.
Kroft argued that Weiss has failed to demonstrate the leadership necessary to manage one of the most respected brands in journalism.
According to him, nearly every major decision associated with her tenure has created additional turmoil rather than stability.
His conclusion was blunt.
“I have a feeling that Bari will not be overseeing 60 Minutes for very much longer,” Kroft said.
The statement immediately fueled speculation throughout the media industry.
Could leadership changes be coming?
Could executives intervene if newsroom tensions continue to escalate?
Or will Weiss remain in place despite mounting criticism?
For now, no clear answers exist.
What’s particularly striking is that the turmoil comes despite strong ratings performance.
Under previous leadership, 60 Minutes remained America’s top-rated news magazine, completing yet another successful season while continuing to attract millions of viewers every week.
That success has made the current upheaval even more difficult for many journalists to understand.
The three remaining senior correspondents have reportedly chosen to stay—for now.
But reports indicate they have also expressed concerns about preserving editorial independence moving forward.
Their future decisions may ultimately determine whether the current crisis stabilizes or deepens.
Inside CBS, the battle is no longer simply about personnel changes.
It has become a fight over the identity of one of the most influential news organizations in America.
And as accusations, denials, departures, and predictions continue to dominate headlines, one thing is becoming increasingly clear:
The turmoil surrounding 60 Minutes is far from over.
Whether Bari Weiss survives the storm—or becomes its next casualty—may soon become one of the biggest media stories of the year.
