CBS News has terminated Scott Pelley, a veteran correspondent for the network's flagship investigative program 60 Minutes, following what multiple outlets have characterized as a contentious confrontation with newly installed executive producer Nick Bilton.
The 68-year-old journalist was informed of his dismissal on Tuesday evening, June 2, according to reports from multiple news organizations. Bilton, who was confirmed in the executive producer position last week, personally delivered the termination notice to Pelley.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, an internal memo was distributed to 60 Minutes staff members on Tuesday addressing the personnel change. The note, attributed to Bilton, stated: "You should hear this from me first. We have parted ways with Scott Pelley. I know how much Scott meant to many of you, and I don't say this lightly. I made repeated attempts to have direct conversations with him over the weekend, and this afternoon I tried to find common ground. That was not the path Scott chose."
The termination follows revelations published Monday by The New York Times, which obtained audio recordings of Pelley speaking at a staff gathering. In those recordings, Pelley reportedly criticized CBS editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and raised concerns about Bilton's qualifications for the executive producer role.
Bilton's appointment represents a significant departure from tradition at 60 Minutes, as he is the first executive producer to lead the program without a background in television news. His selection has generated discussion within the industry about the evolving nature of broadcast journalism and the qualifications expected of those in leadership positions at legacy news organizations.
Pelley's career at CBS News has spanned decades, during which he established himself as one of the network's most prominent correspondents. His departure marks a notable shift in the personnel landscape at 60 Minutes, a program that has maintained its position as one of television's most-watched and respected news magazines.
CBS News has not yet issued an official statement regarding the termination. The situation continues to develop as the network navigates this transition in leadership and personnel at one of its most prestigious news programs.
