Scott Pelley, the legendary 60 Minutes journalist, was fired by Bari Weiss and Nick Bilton for daring to question whether CBS had installed sycophants in its top ranks. In response, Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim declared in a joint memo that they would stay on to save the program, proclaiming, “We don’t want to see 60 Minutes die.” The kids in Weekend at Bernie’s held a similar position, suggesting that even when 60 Minutes seemed lifeless, it still had some energy left. However, the canary in the media coal mine isn’t just sick—it’s a charred skeleton.

The trio of correspondents—Stahl, Whitaker, and Wertheim—are often praised for their journalistic prowess, but here they play the role of reluctant lifeguards, paddling to keep 60 Minutes afloat despite its dwindling relevance. Stahl’s sharp wit usually cuts through narratives like a Ginsu knife; Whitaker’s calm demeanor steadies any storm; Wertheim’s sports background gives him a unique perspective on media trends. Yet, in this instance, they might be clinging too tightly to the sinking ship, convinced that their presence alone can revitalize 60 Minutes.

Nick Bilton and Bari Weiss, known for their tech savvy and knack for spotting trends, seem to have missed the memo on traditional journalism’s strengths. Their decision to fire Pelley suggests a shift toward more digital-first, perhaps at the expense of depth and insight. If sycophancy is indeed the culprit, then perhaps they should have consulted with Pelley first—his questioning might have uncovered deeper layers of loyalty or resistance within CBS.

The comparison to “Weekend at Bernie’s” is apt but perhaps a touch overkill. While 60 Minutes may appear lifeless at times, it still garners significant viewership and respect. The charred skeleton metaphor suggests that the program’s bones are strong, even if its vitality has waned. Stahl, Whitaker, and Wertheim are certainly capable of keeping the flame alive, but they might need to do more than stay on staff—they may need to reignite the journalistic spirit that once defined 60 Minutes.

In essence, Pelley’s firing was a bold move, questioning whether CBS truly understood its own strengths. Stahl, Whitaker, and Wertheim are the anchors holding up the mast, but will their presence alone be enough to prevent 60 Minutes from becoming another media relic? The canary may still sing, but it might need a stronger gust of wind to keep the coal mine illuminated.