CBS News chief brushes off low numbers for its flagship Sunday program.
Key points
- Bari Weiss downplays the importance of exact 60 Minutes ratings, calling the show “tremendously well.”
- Recent episodes have drawn significantly fewer viewers than the 9.1 million average of the prior season.
- Ratings are especially sensitive to the NFL lead‑in and can fluctuate widely week to week.
- Weiss ruled out a move to CNN, emphasizing her focus on CBS News amid the Skydance‑Warner Bros Discovery merger.
Speaking at an industry conference organised by The Information, CBS News editor‑in‑chief Bari Weiss said she does not centre her strategy on the exact audience count for the second half of 60 Minutes, describing the focus on precise ratings as a distraction.
Weiss characterised the program as “tremendously well” overall, even though she oversaw a major reshuffle in May that saw the removal of the executive producer and the departure of three senior correspondents, including veteran anchor Scott Pelley.
Weiss’s comments on the show’s performance
Variety reported that the most recent episode attracted 5.64 million viewers, marking one of the smallest audiences for the series in years, while last season’s average stood at 9.1 million. The 4 October edition, however, managed to pull in just over 10 million viewers, showing that numbers can still spike under certain conditions.
The Guardian notes that 60 Minutes’ ratings are heavily influenced by whether the broadcast follows a high‑profile NFL game, and that recent viewership dips have persisted despite strong guest line‑ups and news‑making segments.
Recent viewership numbers and trends
When asked about Skydance’s merger with Warner Bros Discovery and speculation that she might take over CNN, Weiss said she is committed to CBS News, stating, “I want to focus on doing CBS News, trust me. This is a big enough challenge.”
Reader questions
What were the latest reported viewership figures for 60 Minutes?
Variety reported that the most recent episode attracted 5.64 million viewers, while a 4 October edition drew just over 10 million, compared with an average of 9.1 million viewers per episode last season.
Did Bari Weiss express interest in leading CNN?
No. When asked about the possibility, Weiss said she wants to stay focused on CBS News and is not pursuing a role at CNN.
Source: theguardian.com