Ross Douthat, a prominent New York Times columnist, has been hired as a correspondent for CBS's 60 Minutes. The appointment has been met with disbelief in media circles, as Douthat has no broadcast television experience and is primarily known for his opinion journalism rather than investigative reporting.
Douthat's hire aligns with recent leadership changes at CBS News. David Ellison's new ownership appointed Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief last October, who also lacks television experience and has a background in opinion journalism. Weiss subsequently chose Nick Bilton, who also has no TV news experience, as the new executive producer for 60 Minutes.
The new leadership's appointments have coincided with plummeting ratings at CBS News. Former correspondent Scott Pelley accused Weiss of "murdering" the program, leading to his departure.