Scott Pelley, a veteran correspondent for 60 Minutes, launched a blistering attack on CBS News management during a staff meeting on Monday, criticising the network's decision to fire the show's executive producer, executive editor, and two fellow correspondents as part of a broader overhaul. Pelley specifically targeted Bari Weiss, the network's controversial editor-in-chief, accusing her of destroying the programme.
“She’s murdering 60 Minutes,” Pelley said, according to sources with knowledge of the meeting. “She does not love this place. She was brought in to kill it and is doing exactly that.” The remarks were made in the presence of Nick Bilton, the newly appointed executive producer, and Charles Forelle, the CBS News managing editor.
Forelle accused Pelley of being rude, to which Pelley retorted that the network had been rude in its treatment of Tanya Simon, the former executive producer who was fired on Thursday. Bilton told Pelley he would not be “intimidated” by his comments. Staff present at the meeting gave Pelley a standing ovation, sources said.
The exchange raises questions about Pelley’s long-term future at the show. A CBS News spokesperson declined to comment, but a source said overtures have been made to Pelley, who is seen as an important part of the programme. Pelley had previously shown support for fired correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi at the News & Documentary Emmy awards, and praised a high school senior who criticised the network’s direction under Weiss.
Alfonsi, whose contract was not renewed for the show’s 59th season, released a statement accusing the network of tearing down the wall between editorial independence and corporate interest. Cecilia Vega, another fired correspondent, suggested political bias was at play, alleging censorship and fear among reporting teams. The network contested Vega’s characterisation.
