CBS News Fires Scott Pelley After Dispute With New Executive Producer

CBS News ended the employment of 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley effective immediately on Tuesday after a verbal exchange with new executive producer Nick Bilton. A CBS News insider told Deadline the situation at the network is worse than anything experienced in a long career. The same source said staff members are asking who could be next.

A network veteran stated on Wednesday that CBS News should cover the news rather than become the news. The veteran added that morale is low and the environment is closed-door toxic. Three remaining full-time 60 Minutes correspondents have not issued public statements and are described as taking a breath while assessing the situation.

CBS News leadership indicated in a staff call on Wednesday that new hires are under consideration. Some existing correspondents may appear more frequently on the program.

News has recorded weak or declining viewership and operational missteps since Tony Dokoupil became anchor in January. The newsmagazine has lost multiple correspondents and producers in recent weeks. A longtime staff member said the show is running out of time and people ahead of next season.

Paramount Skydance shares fell 3 percent on Wednesday after the termination became public. Some staff members outside 60 Minutes have expressed support for integrating the program more closely with the larger newsroom. Others faulted the handling of the recent departures.