CBS News fired veteran "60 Minutes" correspondent Scott Pelley on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 [1], following a confrontation with the program's new management [2].
The termination of Pelley, a cornerstone of the network's investigative reporting, signals a volatile transition period for one of the most prestigious newsmagazines in U.S. television history.
Pelley had spent nearly 40 years at CBS News [3]. His departure followed a series of clashes with the show's new leadership. Reports indicate Pelley confronted the program's new executive producer, Nick Bilton, and editor-in-chief Bari Weiss [4].
During these disputes, Pelley publicly criticized the new executives. He accused Weiss of "murdering" the program [5]. These tensions culminated in the decision by CBS News headquarters in New York to terminate his employment [2].
The sudden exit of a longtime correspondent has drawn reactions from industry observers. Jane Kirtley said it is "heartbreaking" to see the "60 Minutes" brand be "degraded" under current CBS management [6].
CBS News has not provided further details regarding the specific nature of the staff meeting where the final confrontation occurred. Pelley's tenure was defined by high-profile interviews and deep-dive reporting, making his abrupt removal a significant shift in the network's personnel strategy [3].
“CBS News fired veteran "60 Minutes" correspondent Scott Pelley on Tuesday.”
The firing of Scott Pelley represents a fundamental clash between the established editorial culture of '60 Minutes' and a new leadership regime. By removing a journalist with nearly four decades of tenure, CBS News is prioritizing a management overhaul over institutional continuity, which may lead to a significant shift in the program's tone and reporting style.
