CBS News Anchor Lesley Stahl Clashes With Editor Over Report on Israeli Settlers
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Veteran CBS correspondent Lesley Stahl is in a dispute with editor-in-chief Bari Weiss over a report on Israeli settlers. Weiss has recently conducted widespread layoffs, leading to accusations of political bias, which the network denies. Stahl and other senior correspondents considered resigning but were convinced to stay after assurances of editorial independence. The current conflict follows a past incident where Weiss delayed a report, leading to a correspondent's departure.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Lesley Stahl is reportedly refusing to leave "60 Minutes" amid a dispute with editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
- The conflict centers on a "60 Minutes" report about Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
- Weiss has recently implemented significant layoffs, drawing accusations of political bias.
- Other senior correspondents considered resigning in protest of the firings.
- David Ellison, owner of CBS parent company Skydance, reportedly intervened to ensure editorial independence.
Veteran CBS correspondent Lesley Stahl is reportedly refusing to leave "60 Minutes" despite a dispute with editor-in-chief Bari Weiss over a story concerning Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Stahl, who recently signed a two-year contract extension, is said to be at odds with Weiss, who has overseen significant layoffs at the network, including correspondents like Peli, Alfonsi, Cecilia Vega, and executive producer Tania Simon. These firings have sparked discontent among reporters who accuse Weiss, who identifies as a "zealous Zionist," of introducing political bias into coverage, a claim the network denies.
Stahl, along with fellow correspondents Bill Whitaker and John Wertheim, considered resigning in protest of the firings but were persuaded to stay. David Ellison, owner of CBS parent company Skydance, reportedly intervened personally with Stahl, promising to protect the program's editorial independence. Sources suggest Weiss's decision not to delay the settlers' report indicates a shift in the power balance.
This situation echoes a previous incident in December when Weiss delayed a report by Alfonsi on the Trump administration's deportation of illegal immigrants, citing insufficient government response. Alfonsi accused Weiss of a politically motivated decision, and her contract was not renewed. Insiders believe Weiss avoided a similar confrontation this time to prevent negative headlines for Ellison, whose company recently acquired Warner Bros. Discovery.
Following the merger of CBS and Warner Bros. Discovery, Ellison kept CNN CEO Mark Thompson in his position. This move has cast doubt on Weiss's future authority within the combined network, prompting her to "lower her profile," according to a former network executive.