How the 60 Minutes Editorial Process Is Supposed to Work

Among the many accusations from former correspondents, Scott Pelley has alleged political bias from administration, and Sharyn Alfonsi noted that interference got here to one in every of her tales after the editorial course of was completed. In the meantime, Cecilia Vega only recently famous that her stories also received unwelcome feedback from administration and have been pushed to incorporate claims that weren’t verifiable.

Relating to Pelley’s and Vega’s accusations, CBS Information beforehand despatched an announcement to TVNewser, denying that administration made choices for political causes. CBS Information didn’t return a request for remark concerning Alfonsi’s departure in May.

However is there really overstepping beneath the administration of editor-in-chief Bari Weiss? And if that’s the case, when and the way is it occurring?

To raised perceive the scenario, TVNewser spoke with two totally different sources accustomed to 60 Minutes’ editorial course of previous to Weiss coming on in Oct. 2025, studying what goes into editorial and the place administration oversight suits in.

A take a look at 60 Minutes’ editorial workflow

In line with the sources, the 60 Minutes editorial course of begins months upfront as a collaborative effort between the correspondent and their producer as they every pitch potential story concepts. If they comply with a narrative, a proper proposal, often known as a “blue sheet,” is written as much as be offered to 60 Minutes’ management group, together with the chief producer.

As soon as an concept is greenlit, the producer prepares an in depth price range masking journey, crew dimension, lodging, manufacturing days, and different logistical prices. Administration might request price range alterations, however after approval, the manufacturing group is basically left alone to report the story, with the one requirement being that the completed piece airs through the present tv season.

Upon completion of filming, the senior editor at 60 Minutes assigns an editor to the mission, who then begins placing the story collectively; this course of normally takes two to a few weeks. Throughout this era, the interviews are additionally despatched for transcription. 

The correspondent and the producer will work in tandem to put in writing the script and are actively concerned within the modifying course of, which begins with a “radio lower” and is whittled right down to the suitable runtime of a 60 Minutes section, which is roughly 12 to 13 minutes. 

Subsequent comes CBS Information’ formal screenings

As soon as the piece is accomplished, the following section is probably the most traumatic second of your complete course of: the primary formal screening.