Pelley Calls for Removal of CBS News Chief Bari Weiss
7 reported
Former “60 Minutes” correspondent Scott Pelley suggested in an interview with The New York Times that Paramount Skydance remove Bari Weiss as leader of CBS News, citing her inexperience with television and alleging a political bias. Pelley was fired by CBS News last week after a clash with Nick Bilton, whom Weiss installed as executive editor of the newsmagazine following the removal of senior staff and correspondents. Pelley described the ouster of former executive producer Tanya Simon as affecting him “like your spouse being murdered” and said “CBS News is on fire.” CBS News provided a statement saying Weiss’ suggestions on a Pelley story had no political motivation and were proposed to make the piece fair and accurate. Pelley argued that Weiss’ focus on digital platforms is disingenuous, noting CBS News already had online initiatives like “60 Minutes Overtime” since 2010. He stated it had been his intention to stay with the program after its overhaul, and that he believed three remaining correspondents had agreed to stay to keep “60 Minutes” alive.
What’s reported
Scott Pelley suggested in a New York Times interview that Paramount Skydance remove Bari Weiss as CBS News leader.
Pelley alleged Weiss’ inexperience with television and belief in mainstream media bias have undermined CBS News journalism.
Pelley was fired by CBS News last week after a clash with Nick Bilton, executive editor installed by Weiss.
Weiss removed senior staff including executive producer Tanya Simon, executive editor Dragaan Mihailovich, and correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega.
CBS News provided a statement that Weiss’ suggestions on a Pelley story had no political motivation and were proposed to make the piece strong, fair, and accurate.
Pelley said Weiss’ argument about joining the internet age is “disingenuous,” noting CBS News started “60 Minutes Overtime” in 2010.
Pelley stated it was his intention to stay with the program after the overhaul, and that three remaining correspondents had agreed to stay.
Key figures
Scott Pelley: Former “60 Minutes” correspondent
Bari Weiss: CBS News leader
Nick Bilton: Executive editor of “60 Minutes” installed by Weiss
Tanya Simon: Former executive producer of “60 Minutes”
Dragaan Mihailovich: Former executive editor of “60 Minutes”
Sharyn Alfonsi: Former “60 Minutes” correspondent
Cecilia Vega: Former “60 Minutes” correspondent
Lesley Stahl: “60 Minutes” correspondent
Bill Whitaker: “60 Minutes” correspondent
Jon Wertheim: “60 Minutes” correspondent
Lulu Garcia-Navarro: New York Times interviewer
Sources: Variety
