Scott Pelley Thanks Supporters After 60 Minutes Firing
8 reported
Former “60 Minutes” correspondent Scott Pelley thanked fans on Instagram after being fired by the program’s new executive producer, Nick Bilton. Pelley posted a photo of himself at the helm of his sailboat, writing, “To all of you who have been so kind, you are the wind in my sails. So deeply grateful.” According to reports, Pelley was fired after a confrontation with Bilton during a staff meeting on May 25, where Pelley told Bilton he had “slender qualifications” to lead the show. Bilton was appointed to the role by CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, whom Pelley accused of “murdering” the show. Bilton later released a letter stating that Pelley and CBS leadership failed to find common ground, terminating Pelley’s employment effective immediately. Pelley responded with his own letter, alleging that new management instructed him to inject falsehoods and bias into a politically sensitive story. The shakeup follows Weiss’s firing of longtime executive producer Tanya Simon and correspondents Cecilia Vega and Sharyn Alfonsi, amid scrutiny over CBS News leadership under Paramount-Skydance CEO David Ellison.
What’s reported
Scott Pelley thanked fans on Instagram after being fired from “60 Minutes.”
Pelley was fired by new executive producer Nick Bilton after a confrontation on May 25.
Pelley told Bilton he had “slender qualifications” to lead the show.
Bilton was appointed by CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, whom Pelley accused of “murdering” the show.
Bilton’s letter stated Pelley and CBS leadership failed to find common ground, terminating his employment.
Pelley’s letter alleged management instructed him to inject falsehoods and bias into a politically sensitive story.
Weiss previously fired executive producer Tanya Simon and correspondents Cecilia Vega and Sharyn Alfonsi.
Paramount-Skydance CEO David Ellison named Weiss as top brass at CBS News.
Key figures
Scott Pelley, former “60 Minutes” correspondent
Nick Bilton, executive producer of “60 Minutes”
Bari Weiss, CBS News editor-in-chief
Tanya Simon, former executive producer of “60 Minutes”
Cecilia Vega, former correspondent
Sharyn Alfonsi, former correspondent
David Ellison, Paramount-Skydance CEO
Sources: Variety
