60 Minutes Adds Douthat, Junger, Toboni and Phillips for Season 59
60 Minutes has hired four new journalists — including NYT columnist Ross Douthat — ahead of its 59th season premiere in September.
One of America's longest-running news programs is rebuilding its on-air roster with four prominent additions as it heads into its 59th season. CBS News announced Tuesday that Ross Douthat, Sebastian Junger, Gianna Toboni, and Trevor Phillips will join 60 Minutes as correspondents and contributors. The announcement was made by the show's executive producer, Nick Bilton. Douthat is a conservative opinion columnist at The New York Times, making his addition a notable editorial choice for a flagship broadcast news magazine. Sebastian Junger is a veteran war correspondent and documentary filmmaker known for works including 'Restrepo.' Gianna Toboni and Trevor Phillips round out the new hires, though details about their specific roles were not elaborated upon in the initial announcements. The new arrivals follow a significant wave of departures from the program. Scott Pelley, Anderson Cooper, Sharyn Alfonsi, and Cecilia Vega have all left the show, leaving the 60 Minutes roster with notable vacancies heading into the new season. The show is set to premiere in September. No specific air date beyond that month was provided in the announcements.
Why it matters
60 Minutes remains one of broadcast television's most watched and prestigious news programs, and the simultaneous departure of four veteran correspondents represents a substantial reshaping of its identity. The addition of an opinion columnist like Douthat signals a potential shift in the program's approach to journalism.
What's next
60 Minutes is scheduled to return for its 59th season in September.
Key facts
- The four new hires are Ross Douthat, Sebastian Junger, Gianna Toboni, and Trevor Phillips
- Douthat is a current opinion columnist at The New York Times
- Departing correspondents include Scott Pelley, Anderson Cooper, Sharyn Alfonsi, and Cecilia Vega
- The announcement was made by executive producer Nick Bilton on Tuesday
- The new season — the show's 59th — is set to premiere in September
Bias & framing notes
All four sources agree on the core facts. The New York Times coverage naturally foregrounded its own columnist Ross Douthat, while Deadline emphasized the 'big-name' framing and the context of departures. CBS News provided the most complete list of new hires. No sources offered substantive disagreement on any fact.
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