CBS’s 60 Minutes continues to make rounds, as The Hollywood Reporter says that veteran correspondent of the program Scott Pelley allegedly accused Bari Weiss – the network’s editor-in-chief – of aiming to tank the newsmagazine in heated staff meeting originally meant to introduce new executive producer and boss Nick Bilton. The former CBS Evening News anchor’s words, via THR, were first reported by The Guardian’s Jeremy Barr during the meeting on Monday where this event occurred.
UPDATE: Scott Pelley called out Bari Weiss, saying in the meeting: “She’s murdering 60 mins. She does not love this place. She was brought in to kill it and is doing exactly that.” https://t.co/FUgJLPYae5
— Jeremy Barr (@jeremymbarr) June 1, 2026
Allegedly, after newcomer Bilton said in the meeting that Weiss loved 60 Minutes (one of the country’s most-watched news programs), Pelley responded:
“She’s murdering 60 Minutes. She does not love this place, she was brought in to kill it and is doing exactly that.”
Per THR, sources familiar with CBS leadership’s emerging mindset have Weiss and BIlton seeing Pelley as vital contributor to the show, with them reportedly having tried to get in contact with him since the show’s overhaul last Thursday. Weiss was at the forefront of discussion upon spearheading the removal of several longtime 60 Minutes members, including EP Tanya Simon, Celia Vega, and Sharyn Alfonsi, along with a handful of other correspondents and producers. Subsequently, columnist and veteran technology journalist Bilton was brought in to take over the show.
Investigative journalist and former 60 Minutes correspondent Alfonsi released public statement warning about the emerging dangers of political influence in broadcast journalism, alleging that CBS management penalized her with her contract expiration for speaking out against their overreach and interference. She was supported by the Freedom of the Press Foundation, who followed with a letter of protest against the Paramount-WBD merger that is largely seen as a crucial block of the debate. As well, former correspondent Vega released statement of her own reinforcing the allegations of political bias interference during her work with the program, citing the last few months before her pink-slipping.
Bilton said prior (to THR) that he was interested in increasing the digital presence of 60 Minutes, as well as bringing some “gonzo” journalism into the fold with the many expert correspondents on staff. Within the Monday meeting, Bilton reportedly said that his goal is for the show to avoid how other legacy media brands struggled with adapting to the new and evolving reality of media, which is based on digital-first campaign outlook.
However, Pelley seems to be on the offense, with THR reporting that he largely criticized the changes already made to Evening News and the appointment of Bilton – Amidst wondering whether or not 60 Minutes would be next on the chopping block to be carved away at, he allegedly said to Bilton that he had “slender qualifications” for the job while suggesting that he would not be welcome at the program.