The '60 Minutes' ratings roller coaster is on the upswing under top editor Bari Weiss

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Published: 2026-10-06T21:36:03.868Z • Permanent link

CBS News' veteran top editor Bari Weiss has been credited with revitalizing the ratings of her flagship program "60 Minutes" with a sharp and insightful approach. Weiss' meticulous research and dedication to storytelling have earned the show a spot on the coveted Sunday night lineup, attracting millions of viewers across the United States. The recent ratings gain is attributed to Weiss' unique blend of investigative journalism and engaging narrative techniques.

Weiss' tenure at "60 Minutes" has been marked by a series of high-profile exposés, including a 2022 investigative report on the opioid crisis, which shed light on the pharmaceutical industry's role in fueling the epidemic. The report, which featured interviews with key figures in the industry and data analysis of prescription rates, sparked a national conversation about the need for greater transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical sector. Weiss' dedication to in-depth reporting has earned her widespread recognition within the journalism community, including a Peabody Award in 2020 for her work on a series of investigative reports on corporate malfeasance.

The success of Weiss' approach has also been underscored by the show's recent coverage of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. A 2022 report by "60 Minutes" highlighted the humanitarian toll of the war, featuring interviews with Ukrainian civilians and a analysis of satellite imagery showing the devastating impact of Russian bombing campaigns. The report was widely praised for its nuanced and compassionate portrayal of the conflict, and marked a turning point in the show's coverage of the crisis.

Weiss' revitalization of "60 Minutes" has significant implications for the Data Sources domain, with far-reaching consequences for research communities, markets, and policy environments. For instance, the show's coverage of the opioid crisis has helped to inform policy decisions at the federal level, with lawmakers using the report as evidence in their efforts to pass legislation aimed at reducing prescription rates and increasing transparency in the pharmaceutical industry. Similarly, the show's recent coverage of the crisis in Ukraine has shed light on the humanitarian toll of the conflict, providing valuable insights for policymakers seeking to develop effective responses to the crisis.

The success of Weiss' approach has also raised questions about the role of investigative journalism in shaping public discourse. As the media landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that high-quality reporting is more important than ever, with the ability to hold power to account and shed light on important issues being a critical component of a healthy democracy. By investing in investigative journalism, companies and institutions can help to ensure that the public is informed and empowered to make decisions about the issues that affect their lives.

Weiss' success at "60 Minutes" is part of a larger pattern of efforts to revitalize investigative journalism in the United States. In recent years, there has been a decline in the number of investigative reporting teams at major news organizations, with many outlets struggling to maintain the resources and expertise required to produce high-quality investigative reporting. However, there are signs that this trend is beginning to reverse, with a number of new initiatives and organizations emerging to support and promote investigative journalism.