CBS News fired longtime "60 Minutes" correspondent Scott Pelley on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 [1].
The dismissal of a high-profile journalist from one of the most prestigious programs in U.S. broadcasting signals deepening instability within the network's news division.
Pelley was fired at the CBS News headquarters in New York [2]. The termination occurred one day after Pelley allegedly made critical remarks regarding the leadership of the program [3]. According to reports, Pelley said Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss was “murdering the show” [4]. He also reportedly criticized the qualifications of the program's new producer [4].
These events follow a period of significant upheaval at the network. The firing of Pelley adds to a series of departures involving senior staff, including the previous dismissals of Cecilia Vega and Sharyn Alfonsi [5].
Network executives did not provide further details on the specific nature of the "heated showdown" [6] that preceded the firing. The termination was described as having immediate effect [7].
Pelley has been a central figure at "60 Minutes" for years, known for high-stakes reporting and interviews. His sudden exit marks a shift in the internal dynamics of the newsroom as Bari Weiss continues to implement changes as Editor-in-Chief [4].
“CBS News fired longtime "60 Minutes" correspondent Scott Pelley”
The removal of Scott Pelley suggests a fundamental clash between the traditional journalistic culture of '60 Minutes' and the new editorial direction under Bari Weiss. By purging senior figures who challenge leadership, CBS News is consolidating authority at the top, though this risks alienating veteran staff and destabilizing the internal morale of its flagship news operation.
