Veteran "60 Minutes" correspondent Lesley Stahl has described the recent firings at CBS as the "worst experience" of her career, expressing deep dismay over the loss of colleagues she has worked with for years.

Stahl, a prominent figure at the long-running news magazine show, did not specify which firings she was referring to but her comments came amid broader staff reductions and changes within the CBS News division. These personnel shifts have led to a somber atmosphere among many long-time employees and observers of the network.

Sources close to the program indicated that Stahl's remarks were made privately, reflecting her personal anguish over the departures. She is known for her strong relationships with the production teams and fellow journalists at "60 Minutes," making the current situation particularly difficult for her. The exact number and roles of those dismissed were not detailed, but the impact has been felt across various departments.

The firings are part of a larger strategic realignment within CBS News, aimed at adapting to the evolving media landscape and potentially streamlining operations. However, such changes often lead to the displacement of experienced professionals whose institutional knowledge is invaluable.

"60 Minutes," which premiered in 1968, has long been a cornerstone of CBS News, known for its in-depth investigative reporting. The show has weathered many changes throughout its history, but recent executive decisions have raised concerns about the direction of the division.

Stahl, who joined "60 Minutes" in 1991 after a distinguished career covering Washington D.C. and the White House, has been a key part of the program's success. Her statement highlights the personal toll that such corporate decisions can take on seasoned journalists and the teams they are part of.

While the specific motivations behind each termination remain internal to CBS, the sentiment expressed by Stahl underscores a broader conversation about loyalty, experience, and the human cost of corporate restructuring in the news industry. The future composition of the "60 Minutes" team and the broader CBS News division continues to be a subject of internal discussion and external observation.

The impact of these personnel changes on the journalistic output and morale of "60 Minutes" remains to be seen. Stahl's candid assessment, however, provides a significant personal perspective on a period of considerable upheaval for the venerable news program.