'Earthquake-like event' at CBS as MAGA-friendly head eyes controversial change: insider

The MAGA-friendly head of CBS could be set on changing one of the channel's most celebrated shows.

Bari Weiss has floated a handful of deeply unpopular changes at the station, with one including making sweeping changes to 60 Minutes. According to insiders speaking to Status, the change could cause a stir so soon after Weiss came under fire for suppressing a previous 60 Minutes story.

Weiss is reportedly aiming to replace the popular executive producer of 60 Minutes, Tanya Simon. Should the move be made against Simon, employees may revolt.

“It would be an earthquake-like event,” one CBS News staffer said. “If Tanya goes, you can expect others to leave,” warned another person familiar with events.

Another added, "Anyone familiar with the dynamics at 60 Minutes knows that putting on a weekly investigative news program that consistently makes money, finds an audience, and breaks meaningful news is very difficult—add on an unsupportive corporate overlord and near-constant leaks about your demise, and it’s near impossible.

"What Tanya and team are able to pull together each week, not just as journalists, but as leaders of a team, is truly remarkable. It’s why she has the loyalty of her team. And contrary to what we’ve read elsewhere, I think Bari and [CBS News President] Tom [Cibrowski] know that.”

Bari Weiss previously sparked a major scandal by blocking a 60 Minutes segment about CECOT, El Salvador's torture prison where the Trump administration sent deportees. Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi's investigative report detailed detainees claiming they "would never see the light of day again."

Weiss claimed the story lacked an on-camera Trump administration response, effectively giving up editorial control. The leaked segment aired in Canada, prompting widespread backlash. Anderson Cooper subsequently left 60 Minutes after two decades. Critics argue Weiss, a right-wing pundit with no journalism experience, was installed specifically to suppress unfavorable Trump coverage.