CBS News fires longtime "60 Minutes" correspondent Scott Pelley
Key Points:
- CBS News fired longtime "60 Minutes" correspondent Scott Pelley following a confrontational staff meeting with new executive producer Nick Bilton, who cited Pelley's hostile behavior and unwillingness to collaborate as reasons for the termination.
- During the meeting, Pelley publicly criticized CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and Bilton, accusing Weiss of "murdering the show" and questioning Bilton's qualifications, while Bilton defended the leadership and expressed commitment to the program.
- Bilton attempted multiple private conversations with Pelley to find common ground, but reported that Pelley was not interested in working together, leading to the decision to part ways.
- The dispute occurred amid broader changes at "60 Minutes," including recent firings of other correspondents and a memo from Weiss and CBS News president Tom Cibrowski emphasizing a new approach to modernize the show for the 21st century.
- CBS News has not publicly commented on Pelley's firing, while reports indicate internal tensions over the direction and leadership of the iconic newsmagazine.