Former ‘60 Minutes’ Producer Blasts CBS News After Firing

Former 60 Minutes senior producer Guy Campanile has broken his silence months after he was fired from the long-running CBS news magazine.

Campanile was among several 60 Minutes veterans ousted in May 2026 during a sweeping shakeup at CBS News. The departures included correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, as well as executive producer Tanya Simon and producers Draggan Mihailovich and Matthew Polevoy.

According to posts on X (formerly Twitter), Campanile addressed his firing in social media posts, which also addressed behind-the-scenes issues at CBS. However, posts do not appear to be publicly available at this time.

New: Ousted 60 Minutes managing editor Guy Campanile has addressed his firing this May in a lengthy post on LinkedIn. From it:

“After some time and deep reflection, I am now comfortable and prepared to talk about it. Tanya Simon, Draggan Mihailovich, Matthew Polevoy, Scott…

— Jeremy Barr (@jeremymbarr) September 8, 2026

One post on LinkedIn was said to have stated: “After some time and deep reflection, I am now comfortable and prepared to talk about it. Tanya Simon, Draggan Mihailovich, Matthew Polevoy, Scott Pelley, Sharyn Alfonsi, Cecilia Vega and I refused to be accomplices in the destruction of the most prestigious news program on American television. We would not compromise our principles or reputations by jamming unverifiable notions or White House talking points into our reporting. We objected when told to conduct interviews arranged by the administration. … We did what reporters worth their salt do — we questioned authority…including our own bosses.”

However, another lengthier statement was posted on Facebook and expanded on his criticism of CBS News and the state of journalism more broadly:

“As some of you know, my 34-year career at CBS News ended in May. I was part of the 60 Minutes leadership team that was dismissed by the new management.

“I have not publicly shared details of what I experienced this past year as Managing Editor at 60 Minutes. It’s wise to remain quiet when emotions are raw. After some time and deep reflection, I am now comfortable and prepared to talk about it.

“Tanya Simon, Draggan Mihailovich, Matthew Polevoy, Scott Pelley, Sharyn Alfonsi, Cecilia Vega and I refused to be accomplices in the destruction of the most prestigious news program on American television.”

“We would not compromise our principles or reputations by jamming unverifiable notions or White House talking points into our reporting. We objected when told to conduct interviews arranged by the administration. We insisted on asking the most challenging questions to business and political leaders without fear or favor. We did what reporters worth their salt do – we questioned authority, including our own bosses. That’s how the best newsrooms work.”

“To be clear: we were told to leave because we insisted on doing our jobs.”

In a lengthy Facebook post, Former 60 Minutes Managing Editor Guy Campanile said he and others were fired for doing their job: “We would not compromise our principles or reputations by jamming unverifiable notions or White House talking points into our reporting. We objected when…

— Joe Flint (@JBFlint) September 8, 2026

“What has happened recently at 60 Minutes – where I believe editorial independence has become a casualty of corporate priorities and ideological intrusion – was tragic. But it was part of an inevitable progression in the cascade of afflictions that have devalued our most trusted sources of news.”

“Information has become commoditized in the attention economy. Facts are increasingly treated as items in a buffet, chosen depending on specific appetite and ideological tastes.”

“Journalism, especially on television, is now largely an exercise in presentation rather than examination: Lead with weather because policy can be complicated. Hype everything to a point where it’s hard to tell what is really important. Protect yourself and keep the public distracted by focusing on the ‘what’ rather than the ‘why.’ Showcase anchors with shallow experience but blessed with exceptional haircuts. Broadcast sweeping deductions from sealed studios rather than speaking directly to the people making history or pummeled by events.”

Former 60 Minutes managing producer Guy Campanile, who was part of the ‘Black Thursday’ firings in May, is speaking out on the eve of the new season.

He posted the following to his Facebook page:

“As some of you know, my 34-year career at CBS News ended in May. I was part of…

— Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) September 8, 2026

“Making matters worse is the cadre of self-described influencers and online opinionists who market themselves as ‘journalists.’ Some have been given control of our most precious reporting institutions — including CBS News. Many of these newsroom managers have never been exposed to the depths of poverty, the ravages of war, or the heartbreak of disaster. Yet these dilettantes and their enablers make critical programming decisions based on what might trend online over the next few hours.”

“I spent two-thirds of my life at CBS. It was an amazing adventure. I saw a good part of the country and much of the world. I witnessed history, met extraordinary people, told great stories, made life-long friends, and was able to provide for my family. I left the offices on 57th Street with my head held high and integrity intact. I am excited about the opportunities ahead. In the meantime, I cannot remain silent as trust built over decades by my colleagues and mentors is wrecked. The audience deserves so much better.”

“Thomas Jefferson wrote, ‘Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.’ It’s dangerous to ignore his warning. As for my friends that remain at my former employer: Hold the line. Don’t give an inch because they will keep scraping away until there’s nothing left worth a damn. Thank you for your support.”

His comments were said to follow the tease of the Season 59 premiere under executive producer Nick Bilton and editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.