CBS dismisses former “60 Minutes” anchor Scott Pelley.
CBS News dismissed veteran correspondent Scott Pelley on June 26 after a heated staff meeting with newly appointed executive producer Nick Bilton. Pelley had joined CBS in 1989, served as CBS Evening News anchor from 2011 to 2017, and reported for “60 Minutes” for over two decades.
The meeting, held Monday, was intended to introduce staff to Bilton, who was hired by CBS Editor‑in‑Chief Bari Weiss under the new Paramount Skydance ownership. According to a recording, Pelley interrupted Bilton and criticized Weiss’s direction for the program, claiming she was “killing” the show. Bilton replied that he had accepted the role on the belief he would not be sidelined.
Following the confrontation, Bilton sent a letter to Pelley terminating his employment for cause, effective immediately. In a separate note to staff, Bilton confirmed the decision and said repeated attempts were made to reconcile differences.
The dismissal comes amid ongoing tensions at “60 Minutes,” including earlier firings of former executive producer Tanya Simon and correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega. No further action has been announced, and the network has not issued additional statements.