The 60 Minutes program kicked off its 59th season on Sunday with the lowest opening viewership in at least 25 years. Under the leadership of its new editor, Bari Weiss, the show underwent significant changes, attracting only 7.9 million viewers, a far cry from the 10 million viewers of the previous season.
Sharp Decline in Viewers in Key Age Group
According to Nielsen data, this drop in viewership was especially evident among adults aged 25 to 54, a key demographic for advertising. Nielsen's preliminary estimates indicated that viewership in this age group has decreased by 33 percent.
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The season premiere included an interview with an Air Force colonel who was shot down over Iran, a report on Donald Trump's pardons, and the introduction of a football coach. This episode recorded the lowest opening viewership for a season since 2000.
Changes at CBS News and 60 Minutes
This significant decline in viewership follows months of changes at 60 Minutes and CBS News overall. After Paramount (the parent company of CBS News) was purchased by David Ellison, Bari Weiss was appointed as the new editor. Upon taking office, Weiss fired several veteran reporters and staff from 60 Minutes and faced public criticism from critics regarding the program's news direction. She firmly responded to these accusations, stating, "What is called 'editorial interference' is actually the job description of a senior editor."
In June, longtime correspondent Scott Pelley was fired after criticizing Weiss for 'killing' the news program. Additionally, in May, Anderson Cooper left the program due to the importance of 'editorial independence.'
CBS News took steps in July to hire new personnel to fill the gaps created by these firings. Before the new season began, Weiss was given a 'blank check' to promote the revamped program. Sources close to the program indicated that CBS intends to emphasize the new look and commitment to the 60-year legacy of the program through a multi-faceted, multi-platform campaign.
However, it is noteworthy that television ratings are influenced by various factors. Typically, 60 Minutes airs after NFL games, and both CBS and Fox showed games on Sunday. Last year, CBS alone hosted NFL games.
Despite this decline, 60 Minutes remains the most popular news program on television. Last year, the program averaged 9.1 million viewers per episode, reflecting a 9 percent increase compared to the previous year.
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Source: independent.co.uk
