Paramount CEO David Ellison called Lesley Stahl on Sunday to assure the news program that he would honor its editorial choices. The call followed a wave of firings that saw former leader Scott Pelley and other senior correspondents dismissed. Ellison’s promise comes as CBS News faces scrutiny over the show’s independence after the overhaul led by editor‑in‑chief Bari Weiss.

The shake‑up left three of the program’s seven anchors—Pelley, Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega—ousted, while Anderson Cooper departed on his own terms. The departures sparked an open letter from veteran reporters asking Ellison to protect journalistic autonomy. Amid these changes, Paramount is also negotiating a $111 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal that could reshape the media landscape.

With key talent gone, 60 Minutes will air reruns until a new season starts in September, limiting fresh content that could attract advertisers. Ellison’s vow to back editorial independence signals a shift in CBS News’ governance, potentially restoring confidence among viewers and advertisers alike. The move may stabilize the program’s ratings and safeguard Paramount’s broader investment strategy for the again today.