Paramount CEO David Ellison tells Lesley Stahl, one of the remaining correspondents for “60 Minutes,” that he will not interfere with the program’s editorial decisions. The pledge comes after a turbulent period for the long-running newsmagazine, which has included the ouster of its top producers and renewed tension within the organization. According to multiple outlets, Ellison’s message to Stahl emphasizes that “60 Minutes” will retain editorial independence and that he will “stay out of the way.”
Stahl discusses the call publicly, relating Ellison’s assurance to The New York Times and also informing “60 Minutes” staffers, where the conversation is described as occurring amid internal celebrations. The reports frame Ellison’s comments as part of Paramount’s broader effort to reduce friction surrounding the show after leadership changes. While the sources describe Ellison’s commitment to non-interference, they do not provide further details about specific editorial policies or oversight mechanisms. The accounts are consistent in describing the same assurance relayed through Stahl.
