A veteran 60 Minutes producer has left the longtime broadcast after nearly two decades, with a parting shot at the network's editor-in-chief.
Henry Schuster, who was with the program since 2007, accepted a buyout and announced his departure on social media this week, stating that "it was time for a change."
Despite speculation that his exit was related to the recent upheaval inside the storied newsroom, Schuster clarified that his departure was not directly connected to the forced departures of colleagues and friends.
His exit comes as the network has faced significant changes under the new ownership of Paramount Global, acquired by Skydance Media CEO David Ellison for $8 billion last year.
Editor-in-chief Bari Weiss has been instrumental in shaping the network's direction, leading to the departure of several high-profile journalists, including executive producer Tanya Simon, correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, and veteran producer Guy Campanile.
The network has also seen the departure of veteran correspondent Scott Pelley, who was fired after 37 years with the network following a confrontation with new 60 Minutes executive producer Nick Bilton.
Pelley was critical of Weiss' handling of the newsroom shakeup, accusing her of "murdering" the news magazine by forcing the show's editorial stance to be more conservative in tone.
Schuster, on the other hand, chose to leave on his own terms, stating that he needed a break and was ready to move on.
He will take a "bit of a break" before deciding what to do next, ruling out starting a podcast or a Substack, and has hinted at the possibility of pursuing a high school diploma or writing another book.
