CBS News fired veteran correspondent Scott Pelley on Tuesday evening, June 2, 2026 [2].
The departure of Pelley, who spent more than 30 years with "60 Minutes" [1], marks a volatile leadership transition for one of the most prestigious news programs in the U.S.
The firing followed a contentious staff meeting on Monday, June 1, 2026 [2]. During the gathering, Pelley engaged in a verbal confrontation with the show's new executive producer, Nick Bilton [2]. Reports indicate that Pelley criticized the future direction of the program and the leadership of editor-in-chief Bari Weiss [3].
According to reports, Pelley accused Weiss of "murdering the program" [3]. The clash highlighted deep internal divisions regarding the editorial evolution of the broadcast. Pelley said, "Your antipathy to the future of the show has come through loud and clear. And I have heard you" [4].
CBS News leadership decided to end Pelley's employment shortly after the confrontation [3]. The network has not provided further details on the specific nature of the disagreement beyond the clash over the show's trajectory [3].
Pelley has been a fixture of the network for decades, known for high-profile interviews, and investigative reporting. His exit comes as Bilton and Weiss seek to implement a new vision for the legacy news magazine [2].
“Your antipathy to the future of the show has come through loud and clear.”
The abrupt removal of a 30-year veteran suggests a fundamental shift in the editorial philosophy of "60 Minutes." By firing Pelley following a public clash, the new leadership under Nick Bilton and Bari Weiss is signaling a break from the program's traditional guard and an aggressive push toward a new direction, regardless of the internal friction it may cause among legacy staff.
