Scott Pelley is publicly attacking CBS News leadership amid a widening shakeup at 60 Minutes, accusing CBS News president and editor in chief Bari Weiss of “murdering” the long-running program. The criticism came during a staff meeting in which newly appointed 60 Minutes executive producer Nick Bilton addressed employees after recent leadership changes and staff departures.
Audio recordings obtained by The New York Times and Status reportedly captured Pelley sharply challenging Bilton’s appointment and Weiss’s direction for CBS News. Bilton, who was named executive producer last week, is part of a new leadership structure under Weiss that also includes CBS News managing editor Charles Forelle. According to Deadline, Weiss was not present at the meeting.
Bilton sought to calm concerns about major changes to the broadcast, telling staff that rumors about transforming 60 Minutes into a series of short-form clips were false. He said the show would remain unchanged “for now” and defended Weiss, saying she “loves 60 Minutes.”
Pelley responded forcefully, rejecting that view and accusing Weiss of undermining the program. He said she was “murdering 60 Minutes” and claimed she had been brought in to destroy it. He also questioned her qualifications and Bilton’s credentials, arguing that changes made to CBS Evening News under Weiss had been “catastrophic” and asking why anyone should expect a better outcome at 60 Minutes.
Bilton was hired to replace longtime 60 Minutes executive producer Tanya Simon, a move that has added to tensions inside the news division. Pelley also raised concerns about the recent departures of correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, asking Bilton why he accepted the role if he knew he would not be welcomed by staff.
Bilton replied that he had no issue taking a job in a place where he was not initially welcome and said he did not believe that would remain the case.
The internal conflict comes as 60 Minutes faces growing scrutiny over its future and editorial direction. Vega previously criticized the show’s leadership after her exit, alleging censorship during the broader upheaval.
The remarks highlight deep divisions inside CBS News as Weiss expands her influence across the organization. For a program long seen as a flagship of American broadcast journalism, the public criticism from one of its most recognizable correspondents underscores the scale of the unrest and uncertainty surrounding its leadership, staffing, and long-term identity.
