Scott Pelley terminated by CBS following criticism of '60 Minutes' leadership

Scott Pelley was terminated by CBS News on June 2, 2026, after he publicly criticized the new leadership of '60 Minutes' during a staff meeting. Pelley questioned the qualifications of newly appointed executive producer Nick Bilton and accused editor in chief Bari Weiss of undermining the newsmagazine. CBS stated that Pelley was fired for cause, following a meeting where management attempted to address concerns raised by Pelley. In a letter to Pelley, Bilton expressed that Pelley’s negative attitude towards the future of the show was evident and that he had hoped for a collaborative approach. The situation has drawn attention to CBS's ongoing efforts to revamp its news division and the controversial decisions made by Weiss and her team. Pelley’s supporters view his actions as a defense of the '60 Minutes' legacy, while critics have labeled his behavior as bullying. The network's leadership has emphasized the need for change to engage new audiences.