Former 60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft said he lacks confidence in the future of the program after CBS fired Scott Pelley [1].
The critique from a veteran journalist suggests a potential shift in the editorial direction or stability of one of the most prestigious news franchises in the U.S.
Kroft, who served as a correspondent on the CBS show for 30 seasons [1], said his concerns during an interview with NPR Business published June 3, 2026 [4]. His comments followed the announcement on June 2, 2026, that CBS had fired Pelley [3].
Pelley had been with CBS for 37 years [2]. His departure marks a significant change for the broadcast, as he was a central figure in the program's reporting for decades. While some reports have conflicted regarding other staffing changes, the firing of Pelley remains a primary point of contention for former staff members like Kroft [1].
Despite the loss of Pelley, CBS has indicated that other veteran journalists will remain with the program. Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim are among the three correspondents staying on the show [5].
Kroft's lack of confidence stems from the decision by CBS leadership to remove a long-tenured journalist. The move has raised questions about whether the network is prioritizing different styles of reporting or facing internal instability. The program has long relied on a small group of high-profile journalists to maintain its brand of deep-dive investigative reporting, a model that may be under pressure following these personnel changes.
“Steve Kroft said he lacks confidence in the future of the program”
The public skepticism from a former insider like Steve Kroft indicates that the firing of Scott Pelley is viewed as more than a routine personnel change. By removing a cornerstone journalist with nearly four decades of experience, CBS may be signaling a strategic pivot in how '60 Minutes' approaches its reporting, which could alienate longtime viewers and staff who value the program's traditional investigative rigor.
