CBS News Fires Scott Pelley

terminated veteran journalist Scott Pelley on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, following a dispute over the direction of the network's top-rated news program, "60 Minutes." Pelley, 68, a correspondent for "60 Minutes" and former anchor of "Evening News," was fired for cause after publicly clashing with the newly appointed "60 Minutes" executive producer, Nick Bilton, and criticizing editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.

The dismissal occurred after Pelley accused Weiss of "murdering '60 Minutes'" during a staff meeting on Monday, June 1, 2026, citing recent leadership changes and the ouster of two on-air correspondents. Bilton, who was hired last week and lacks broadcast television experience, informed Pelley of his termination via a formal letter, citing Pelley's "performative display of hostility" and disparagement during the staff meeting. Pelley, who joined in 1989 and contributed to "60 Minutes" since 2004, stated he had dedicated decades to the program and accused new management of "incompetence and unprofessionalism."

This move is a significant development in Weiss's tenure, which began last year with a mandate to modernize the news division. It follows the departure of four "60 Minutes" correspondents in the past month, including Sharyn Alfonsi, Cecilia Vega, and Anderson Cooper. Despite the internal turmoil, "60 Minutes" viewership increased by 9 percent in the past season, maintaining its status as a highly-rated weekly broadcast.