CBS News fires Scott Pelley after he accused editor of 'murdering' 60 Minutes
Veteran correspondent terminated for cause amid accusations against new editor-in-chief.
CBS News terminated the contract of veteran 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley on Tuesday, two network sources confirmed. Executive producer Nick Bilton informed Pelley in an email seen by Reuters that his employment was ended 'for cause effective immediately,' citing 'antipathy to the future of the show' as the reason. The firing follows media reports that Pelley had accused CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss of 'murdering' the prime-time news program. Pelley did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Pelley's dismissal marks the latest in a wave of departures from 60 Minutes, with more than half a dozen staff members leaving in recent weeks. In a separate note to the show's staff, Bilton acknowledged 'the great deal of change in a very short time' at the program. The swift turnover highlights ongoing tensions over editorial direction and leadership at the storied news magazine, which has been a cornerstone of CBS News for decades. The network has not commented on whether further changes are planned.
- Scott Pelley fired 'for cause' by CBS News after accusing editor Bari Weiss of ruining 60 Minutes.
- Executive producer Nick Bilton cited Pelley's 'antipathy to the future of the show' in the termination letter.
- More than half a dozen staff have departed 60 Minutes in recent weeks, signaling major internal upheaval.
Why It Matters
The firing of a veteran correspondent at a flagship news show underscores intense editorial battles and leadership turmoil at CBS News.