Longtime 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley lashed out at new 60 Minutes Executive Producer Nick Bilton during a Monday meeting. Now, he’s out at the network.
What We Know: During Monday morning’s meeting, Bilton attempted to impress upon the staff that things were ok following a mass exodus of employees. In the process, Scott Pelley pressed Bilton on the vision of the program. He pointed out that the new executive producer has no television experience nor managerial experience. When Bilton attempted to share Bari Weiss’ vision for the show, Pelley took issue with the insinuation. He argued that Weiss is “murdering” the news magazine. He also noted Bilton was not qualified for the job he was hired for.
What They Said: “Yesterday, you hijacked my first meeting with staff to disparage me, my qualifications, and my intentions with remarkable incivility and contempt. I welcome a diversity of viewpoints and respectful debate among the team, but this was nothing of the sort. Yesterday’s performative display of hostility—enacted in front of the staff instead of in a civil, private conversation—demonstrated that you have no interest in contributing to the future success of the show, or approaching my new tenure with a mind open to collaboration and progress. I am here to deliver first-in-class news programming, not to make headlines about newsroom drama. I am eager to work alongside those who share this goal.
“Despite yesterday’s misconduct, I had hoped that in sitting down with you today we could find a path forward together. You made clear that you are not interested in such a path. Your antipathy to the future of the show has come through loud and clear. And I have heard you. I therefore write on behalf of CBS News, Inc. (“CBS”) to inform you that your employment with CBS is terminated for cause effective immediately.” -60 Minutes Executive Producer Nick Bilton in a letter to Pelley
What Remains Unclear: Pelley has yet to publicly respond to the termination. It is also unclear if Pelley will fight the termination for cause with a legal battle.
What It Means: The development will keep 60 Minutes in the headlines for the foreseeable future. Pelley becomes the fourth correspondent from the past season to exit the show since it ended. His exit will now become the most high-profile due to his stature with the show. Scott Pelley has been a 60 Minutes correspondent for more than 20 years.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.
