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Steve Kroft Reflects on 30-Year Career at 60 Minutes in Podcast Interview
Steve Kroft, who retired from 60 Minutes in 2019 after 30 seasons, discussed his experiences on the We'll Do It Live! podcast. He described the job's demanding schedule and competitive environment but noted the exhilaration from reporting significant stories. Kroft highlighted key interviews and investigations from his tenure.
Apr 4, 6:34 PM·2m read1 source
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Steve Kroft, a former correspondent for 60 Minutes, appeared on Bill O'Reilly's We'll Do It Live! podcast to discuss his career at the CBS newsmagazine. Kroft retired in 2019 after 30 seasons. He stated that he probably would not take the job again due to its intensity.
Kroft described the work schedule as requiring 24-hour availability, including limited sleep, frequent travel by jet, and several days spent writing scripts followed by screenings. He joined 60 Minutes after working as a CBS correspondent, including time in the London bureau, which he described as the role he always wanted because it allowed him to see the world.
Kroft recalled the competitive atmosphere at CBS after he was selected for 60 Minutes. He expected congratulations from colleagues but found that some were envious, as others wanted the position. He characterized the environment as competitive, noting that it led to tensions among journalists.
Despite the difficulties, Kroft found the stories he reported to be exhilarating. He explained that he enjoyed the job because of the quality of the reporting opportunities and the program's emphasis on strong narratives.
During his tenure, Kroft conducted several high-profile interviews. In 1992, he interviewed Bill and Hillary Clinton amid allegations of an affair with Gennifer Flowers. Hillary Clinton referenced Tammy Wynette in the discussion.
Kroft also interviewed Woody Allen, Clint Eastwood, and Barack Obama 16 times, including once after the 2011 assassination of Osama bin Laden. His investigations included Saddam Hussein's hidden financial assets and insider trading in Congress.
The 2001 report on financial firm Sandler O'Neill, which lost a third of its employees in the World Trade Center attacks, had a significant impact on Kroft. The report followed surviving partner Jimmy Dunne and managers as they organized funerals, supported families, and kept the company operational. The firm survived and continues to operate.
