When Tom Cibrowski, the President of CBS News, asked Scott Pelley for a meeting, the veteran “60 Minutes” correspondent assumed it would be an hour-long discussion about his previous confrontation with his new boss, Nick Bilton. However, the unexpected presence of Bari Weiss, the division’s editor, added a twist. Pelley thought he would get the chance to ask questions regarding Weiss’s recent staff changes, including replacing executive producer Tanya Simon and dismissing two correspondents.
Instead, Pelley, a 37-year CBS veteran, found himself fired after a brief 10-minute meeting. In an emotional interview with the New York Times, Pelley shared how sudden and shocking the experience was, comparing it to a personal tragedy.
The Last Thing on His Mind?
Pelley didn’t see his dismissal coming. Five days earlier, significant changes took place with Weiss installing Bilton, a former tech columnist, as the new executive producer. Despite industry expectations of change, Pelley described the event, dubbed “Black Thursday,” as a shock. Tanya Simon, the first woman executive producer, led the show to a nine percent audience growth, a rarity in broadcast television.
Close-Knit Relationships
Pelley expressed how closely bonded the “60 Minutes” team is, with many having worked together for decades. Describing it as family, he recounted instances where bonds were forged through experiences, including life-threatening ones. The abrupt changes felt like a mass loss of family, causing pain and disbelief.
‘Insulting’ Email and Tone-Deaf Leadership
Bari Weiss did not attend the staff meeting. Instead, Bilton’s presence was marked by what Pelley saw as dismissive behavior. First came an introductory email that Pelley found insulting, suggesting the team was stuck in the past. At the meeting, Bilton read a statement from his phone to a distressed audience. Pelley stood up for his colleagues, some of whom risk their lives for the show.
Never Expected Dismissal
The meeting was contentious, with Pelley openly challenging Bilton’s qualifications and criticizing Weiss’s changes. Despite this, he did not foresee losing his job. Pelley highlighted “60 Minutes” as a show known for asking tough questions.
Concerns Over Editorial Direction
Pelley raised concerns over leadership pushing biased narratives. During coverage of confrontations involving federal agents, he resisted editorial changes he found politically motivated. Leadership denied any political bias, describing their suggestions as aimed at improving fairness and accuracy.
Other Correspondents’ Silence
Pelley has not spoken to colleagues Lesley Stahl, Jon Wertheim, and Bill Whitaker, who remain at CBS under assurances of independent work. He doubts these assurances, suggesting that Anderson Cooper’s departure, officially for family reasons, was influenced by the leadership changes. Pelley mentioned earlier conversations about maintaining show principles to exert positive influence, a plan he can no longer pursue. Trust is now broken.
Jocelyn Noveck reports on media and entertainment for the Associated Press.