'60 Minutes' Staff Rebukes New Editor as Correspondent Accuses Leadership of Trying to 'Kill' Newsmagazine
"60 Minutes" correspondent Scott Pelley accused the CBS newsmagazine's new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss of attempting to dismantle the program during a tense staff meeting, claiming she was brought in by the Ellison-owned company to damage the institution.
Staff Conflict
"60 Minutes" correspondent Scott Pelley, who used to anchor the "CBS Evening News," has accused the network's new editor in chief Bari Weiss who was brought in by Larry and David Ellison whose company now owns CBS of trying to "kill" the acclaimed newsmagazine. Pelley made the comments during a tense meeting between the staff of "60 Minutes" and the program's brand-new executive producer, Nick Bilton.
Accusations and Staff Support
Pelley accused Weiss of "murdering '60 Minutes.' She does not love this place. She was brought in to kill it, and she's being doing exactly that." Pelley received applause from the staff. The comments underscore deep divisions within the program over recent management changes and editorial direction.
Ownership Context
The Ellisons are allies of Donald Trump and are also trying to buy Warner Discovery, which owns CNN. The Ellisons' acquisition of CBS has raised concerns among long-time staff members about potential changes to the network's editorial independence and journalistic standards.
Broader Impact
The internal conflict at "60 Minutes" reflects broader tensions in American media as new ownership structures reshape longstanding news institutions and challenge traditional editorial approaches.