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Steve Kroft just revealed a shocking confession about three decades at 60 Minutes. The legendary correspondent admitted he “hated” the iconic newsmagazine, calling it a toxic “snake pit.” After 30 years reporting from one of America’s most prestigious shows, Kroft says he probably wouldn’t do it again if given the chance.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Career Length: Kroft spent 30 years at 60 Minutes before retiring in 2019
- The Complaint: He called the newsroom “24 hours a day” with no civility and constant paranoia
- Interview Source: Kroft made these comments on Bill O’Reilly’s “We’ll Do It Live” podcast this week
- His Assessment: “It’s just a snake pit,” he told O’Reilly about the workplace culture
A Legendary Career Haunted by Workplace Toxicity
Steve Kroft was one of the most accomplished journalists of his generation. He conducted interviews with U.S. presidents, reported on major investigations, and earned five Peabody Awards and 11 Emmy Awards. His 30-year tenure made him the longest-serving correspondent on the show. Despite these accolades, Kroft now describes his time at 60 Minutes as a psychological battlefield that ultimately left him miserable and worn down. The prestigious position came with a severe personal cost.
The Relentless 24-Hour Grind That Never Stopped
Kroft described the 60 Minutes workload as cruel and unforgiving. He explained that the job was literally “24 hours a day,” with only a couple hours of bad sleep interrupted constantly by beepers going off. The correspondent would catch flights, travel endlessly, work multiple reporting cycles, then return home to spend three or four days writing scripts. Once finished, he faced screenings, then started the entire exhausting process again without meaningful rest. Kroft emphasized this relentless pace never truly stopped during his three decades there. The physical and mental toll was simply unsustainable.
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The Toxic Newsroom Culture That Destroyed Civility
But the schedule alone wasn’t the worst part. Kroft’s harshest criticism targeted the 60 Minutes newsroom culture itself, which he called fundamentally toxic. When he was promoted to the show, colleagues who had wanted the same job suddenly became enemies. He stated that “there was no civility at 60 Minutes,” and joked darkly that whenever someone appeared friendly, “you better check your wallet.” The atmosphere was one of constant paranoia, where every journalist feared backstabbing from competitors fighting for airtime, recognition, and status within the show.
| Aspect | Kroft’s Experience |
| Workload | 24 hours daily with minimal sleep and constant travel |
| Workplace Culture | Described as “snake pit” with no civility or trust |
| Retirement Year | 2019 at age 73 after 30 years |
| Honest Assessment | “No, I probably wouldn’t do it again. I hated it.” |
“There was no civility at 60 Minutes. If there was civility, you better check your wallet.”
— Steve Kroft, Former 60 Minutes Correspondent, to Bill O’Reilly
Why Did One of Journalism’s Best Endure So Long?
Despite hating the job, Kroft stayed for three full decades. He acknowledged that the 60 Minutes position was elite and that he initially felt fortunate to land it. However, he also loved the actual reporting itself, calling the journalism “exhilarating.” Kroft said the stories and investigations he could pursue made parts of the job worthwhile, even as the workplace culture and relentless schedule destroyed his quality of life. He was surprisingly honest about this contradiction, noting that the CBC role in London had been his true favorite position. The prestige and story access at 60 Minutes ultimately kept him there despite his growing misery.
What Does This Revelation Mean for CBS News Today?
Kroft’s blunt assessment arrives as 60 Minutes faces unprecedented turbulence. New editor-in-chief Bari Weiss is planning a major overhaul of the show after this season ends. Staff members are reportedly fearful about layoffs, editorial direction changes, and potential job losses. Recently, the show settled a $16 million lawsuit with President Trump, sparking major criticism from journalists. When asked about current workplace morale at the show, Kroft agreed that fear and anxiety are widespread among remaining staffers, who worry about their careers and press freedoms. His stark warnings about 60 Minutes‘ toxic culture suggest the problems run far deeper than recent controversies.
Sources
- New York Post: Reporting on Kroft’s interview with Bill O’Reilly about his 30 years at 60 Minutes
- The Hollywood Reporter: Coverage of Kroft’s confession that he hated his time at the iconic newsmagazine
- Bill O’Reilly’s “We’ll Do It Live” Podcast: Direct interview featuring Kroft’s detailed comments about workplace culture
