CBS Fires 60 Minutes Anchor Scott Pelley After Dispute With Executives

CBS Fires Veteran Journalist Scott Pelley Amid Staff Turmoil

US broadcaster CBS has terminated Scott Pelley, a longtime correspondent for its 60 Minutes programme, following a reported confrontation with management. According to reports, Pelley criticized Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss and the new producer, Nick Bilton, during a staff meeting on Monday. The meeting reportedly took place after a leadership overhaul at the programme.

A termination notice obtained by the Associated Press news agency stated that Bilton accused Pelley of conducting an “ambush” against him. Pelley had expressed concerns about the direction of 60 Minutes under new management, stating that the show had lost its identity. He also made allegations about being asked to inject falsehoods and bias into his work.

Weiss was not present at the meeting, but Pelley reportedly criticized her for bringing in new leadership that he believed was aimed at influencing the programme’s content. The incident has added to the turmoil at 60 Minutes, which has seen several departures in recent weeks.

The changes at CBS come after Skydance Media acquired Paramount in August and installed Weiss as Editor-in-Chief in October. David Ellison, CEO of Skydance Media, had promised that the CBS network would reflect a range of ideological perspectives. The acquisition was approved by regulators with the condition that the network would adhere to this principle.

Pelley’s departure follows a lawsuit filed by former US President Donald Trump over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris in 2024. The lawsuit was settled for $16m, and legal experts deemed it without merit.

Source: Al Jazeera