Sharyn Alfonsi and Scott Pelley, who were recently removed from their roles at “60 Minutes” in a major shakeup at the renowned CBS News program, are transitioning from journalism to academia.
On Monday, Columbia Journalism School revealed that Alfonsi and Pelley will assume positions as Journalists in Residence for the coming academic year.
The school announced that the two, who lost their “60 Minutes” jobs two months ago due to changes implemented by CBS News’ editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss, will provide guidance and mentorship to students, deliver lectures, and contribute to the Columbia Journalism Review in their part-time roles.
The school’s statement highlighted that “Alfonsi and Pelley have influenced national discourse for decades with their reporting,” adding that their coverage has spanned significant topics such as war, politics, public health, criminal justice, and international affairs.
During an interview, Jelani Cobb, the dean of the journalism school, mentioned he contacted Pelley the day following his early June dismissal after he had challenged CBS News leadership over changes made by Weiss. These included replacing the show’s executive producer, Tanya Simon, with Nick Bilton, who lacked significant broadcast TV experience.
Cobb stated, “One of my duties is to recognize available talent. The quality of their investigative work is unparalleled. ‘60 Minutes’ remains the leading investigative broadcast news show for a reason.”
Cobb noted that the decision to hire them was made swiftly and kept confidential until it could be announced closer to the academic year’s start.
Alfonsi, who spent over ten years reporting for “60 Minutes” before her contract was not renewed, expressed that her new role is “an extraordinary privilege at a time when deep, rigorous, and fearless reporting is more crucial than ever.”
“I’m eager to work with budding journalists who are keen to ask the tough questions that hold power to account,” Alfonsi remarked.
Pelley, who served as the anchor for “CBS Evening News” and spent over 37 years at the network, with 27 years at “60 Minutes,” emphasized the importance of a free press in his statement.
He added, “Columbia is leading in training the next generation of outstanding journalists, and I am honored to join Sharyn in this essential mission.”
Besides advising and mentoring students, Alfonsi and Pelley are set to participate in a dialogue on November 11, moderated by Cobb, the dean mentioned.
This panel will explore “the significant stories they’ve covered, their learnings as journalists, and their navigation of ethical dilemmas throughout their careers,” Cobb explained.
Meanwhile, at “60 Minutes,” a new slate of correspondents has been announced ahead of the program’s 59th season.
