Image Credit: Joe Pugliese
Scott Pelley was a prominent figure in television news for many years, establishing a career that included reporting for 60 Minutes, serving as anchor for the CBS Evening News, and covering major global events. In June 2026, the seasoned reporter gained attention after his dismissal from 60 Minutes during a significant restructuring at CBS News. Following his exit, Pelley voiced his disapproval of the network’s new management and accused officials of undermining the program’s journalistic integrity.
In light of this news, discover more about Pelley’s financial standing, including his earnings and compensation from CBS News.
Why Was Scott Pelley Dismissed From ’60 Minutes’?
Pelley’s departure from 60 Minutes occurred on June 2, 2026, a day after a heated exchange with the program’s newly appointed executive producer, Nick Bilton. Reports indicate that Pelley confronted Bilton in a staff meeting regarding recent dismissals from the show, questioned Bilton’s suitability for the position, and alleged that CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss was “destroying” 60 Minutes.
Scott Pelley Correspondent, 60 MINUTES. Photo: Michele Crowe/CBS News ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Following his termination, Pelley issued a comprehensive statement criticizing CBS’s new leadership and defending the show’s editorial standards. He asserted that 60 Minutes had lost its essence after senior executives and correspondents were let go, suggesting that journalists faced repercussions for advocating for fairness and professionalism. Pelley further claimed that he was instructed by management to incorporate “falsehoods and bias” into a politically charged report and was asked to utilize unverified information in his journalistic work.
He elaborated, “At 60 Minutes, we have struggled more than anyone can know to preserve the program that became an emblem of America. We owed that commitment to our countless viewers. I am deeply touched by the numerous messages of encouragement we have received to ‘continue the good fight.’ The majority of the individuals at CBS News remain engaged in that struggle. However, the deterioration of values at the highest levels has become unsustainable. The current leadership of 60 Minutes is unrecognizable. The principles I deeply value are no longer present, compelling me to depart as well.”
While CBS has not officially responded to many of Pelley’s assertions, the network’s management has stated that his dismissal stemmed from a breakdown in trust and disagreements concerning the show’s future direction.
What Is Scott Pelley’s Net Worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Pelley’s estimated net worth stands at $18 million.
How Much Money Did Scott Pelley Earn From CBS?
Although CBS has not publicly disclosed Pelley’s remuneration, numerous sources report that he commanded an approximate annual salary of $7 million during his tenure with the network. Pelley dedicated over 35 years to CBS News before his dismissal in 2026.