Scott Pelley, the veteran ’60 Minutes’ correspondent fired from CBS News on June 2, told The New York Times on Sunday that his former employer is “on fire” under its current leadership, escalating his public criticism of the network’s direction.
Quick Facts
- Pelley was terminated from 60 Minutes after a confrontational meeting with new executive producer Nick Bilton and CBS News president Tom Cibrowski.
- He spent 37 years at CBS News and won 51 Emmy Awards during his career.
- Pelley accused the new management of lacking television experience and introducing political bias to the newsroom.
- He alleged that respected journalists at the network said “there is a thumb on the scale for one political party over another.”
In his exclusive interview with The New York Times, Pelley expressed his belief that the situation at CBS News could still be salvaged. “We can save this,” he said. “It’s possible to land this plane. But right now, CBS News is on fire.”
Pelley described feeling shock after high-profile staffers at 60 Minutes were dismissed and one-third of the show’s correspondents were fired. When new executive producer Nick Bilton was announced, Pelley said he expected leadership to provide explanations for the departures. Instead, at their first meeting, Bilton read from his phone while staff sat in dismay.
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“The callousness, the tone deafness of that, you could hear the groan in the room,” Pelley told the Times. “They put out a big spread of bagels like we were all going to feel better.”
Pelley criticized Bilton’s qualifications, noting that the new executive producer had no television news experience. “We have people who’ve been installed in these jobs who—through no fault of their own—have no experience in television,” Pelley said. “They don’t know what they’re doing.”
The confrontation that led to Pelley’s firing occurred during a meeting with CBS News president Tom Cibrowski, where Pelley challenged the leadership decisions. Pelley said Cibrowski accused him of “physically abusing” Bilton, which Pelley flatly denied. “This is a lie,” he told the Times.
Pelley recounted that Cibrowski abruptly ended the conversation, telling him it was “a firing offense.” He returned to his office and waited for hours before the formal termination email arrived. “I packed up and left just so those people would go home,” Pelley said, referring to his staff members who had gathered outside his office in a vigil.
Pelley also alleged that Bari Weiss, CBS News editor-in-chief, is facing calls to step down following the controversy. He expressed hope that Paramount, CBS News’s parent company, would reconsider its leadership strategy. “My hope is a return to sanity,” Pelley said.
Sources
- The Hill — Pelley’s statement to The New York Times that CBS News “is on fire” and details of his firing.
- The New York Times — Exclusive interview with Pelley covering his firing, allegations of political bias, and criticism of new management’s qualifications.
- NBC News — Confirmation of Pelley’s firing and his statement about management incompetence.
- CNN — Reporting on Pelley’s allegations regarding CBS leadership and political influence.
