’60 Minutes’ faces talent exodus as morale plummets

Alfonsi blasted CBS for what she called “editorial fear” of political backlash, accusing management of punishing journalists who refused to bow out.

The segment eventually aired a month later, but CBS declined to renew her contract after nearly two decades as one of the network’s top reporters.

“She’s just the first domino,” said a veteran insider RadarOnline.com. “People in the building are convinced that more exits are coming – and quickly. The atmosphere has completely changed. Staffers are afraid to say the wrong thing, afraid to tell the wrong stories, and terrified of overstepping the new power structure.

“No one recognizes the place anymore.”

After a long time, the unrest turned into hyperdrive 60 minutes executive producer Bill Owens abruptly resigned last year, saying he no longer had the independence to run it fairly.

Owens, who was only the third executive producer in the show’s 57-year history, left after a clash with brass over independence and editorial direction.

“Bill leaves behind shattered morale,” said another insider. “If someone like Bill Owens – who dedicated his life to the show – felt like he couldn’t stay, what message does that send to everyone else?”