Scott Pelley Out at CBS News After '60 Minutes' Clash
Variety • • general
Key Points:
- CBS News has terminated veteran "60 Minutes" journalist Scott Pelley following a public dispute with new editorial chief Nick Bilton, reducing the show's reporter roster to three as it prepares for its 59th season.
- Pelley criticized Bilton and Bari Weiss's leadership, accusing Weiss of "murdering '60 Minutes,'" while Weiss aimed to revitalize the program with deeper, revelatory journalism.
- The departures come amid a broader shakeup at "60 Minutes," including the exit of senior managers and correspondents, as well as Anderson Cooper's departure earlier this year.
- Bilton expressed regret over losing Pelley but emphasized his commitment to supporting remaining staff and continuing the show's journalistic mission.
- Pelley, who joined CBS News in 1989 and has been a key figure on "60 Minutes" since 2004, has won half of the program's major awards during his tenure and was also a former anchor of "CBS Evening News."