CBS News Fires Scott Pelley Amid Major Changes at ‘60 Minutes’ in 2026

CBS News has terminated the employment of veteran "60 Minutes" correspondent Scott Pelley, according to sources familiar with the matter, marking another significant development in the ongoing restructuring of the iconic news program.

An internal email sent Tuesday by "60 Minutes" Executive Producer Nick Bilton informed Pelley that his employment with CBS had been terminated immediately for cause. The message stated that Pelley’s opposition to the future direction of the show had become increasingly apparent and influenced the network’s decision.

Pelley did not immediately respond to requests for comment following reports of his dismissal. The veteran journalist’s departure comes amid growing tensions within CBS News and widespread reports that he had criticized CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, accusing her of undermining the long-running investigative news program.

In a separate message to staff members, Bilton acknowledged the rapid changes taking place at "60 Minutes" and confirmed the network’s decision to part ways with Pelley. His exit adds to a growing list of departures that have affected the program in recent weeks.

The changes at CBS News have been substantial. Former executive producer Tanya Simon was dismissed, while correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega also left the organization. These personnel moves have drawn significant attention across the media industry, raising questions about the future direction of one of America’s most respected television news programs.

The shake-up follows Skydance Media’s acquisition of Paramount in August. The company, led by David Ellison, later appointed Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief in October. Ellison previously emphasized that CBS would represent a broader range of ideological viewpoints among American audiences as part of efforts to secure regulatory approval for the merger that created Paramount Skydance.

The leadership transition also follows Paramount’s $16 million settlement of a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump regarding a 2024 "60 Minutes" interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump had alleged that the broadcast presented a misleading portrayal of his political opponent.

With multiple high-profile departures and a new leadership structure in place, CBS News and "60 Minutes" continue to undergo one of the most significant transformations in their history.