Megyn Kelly applauds CBS firing of ’60 Minutes’ star Scott Pelley

The conservative broadcaster did not hold back in her criticism of Pelley, describing his dismissal from the network as long overdue, according to New York Post. Kelly characterized the former “60 Minutes” correspondent as arrogant and accused him of narcissism that should have cost him his position years ago.

Kelly stated she backed CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss in making the decision to terminate Pelley, calling it the correct move. She noted that she had predicted back in December that Weiss would eventually remove Pelley from his role, while warning that CBS News insiders would turn against the new leadership.

The firing came before the midpoint of 2025, Kelly observed, confirming her earlier forecast about the inevitable collision between old guard and new management at the venerable network.

CBS Management Blasted as Unprofessional

Despite supporting the decision itself, Kelly tore into how CBS executives handled the situation, branding the public nature of the personnel dispute as completely unprofessional and describing the execution as bush league.

She argued that CBS has become a dinosaur institution that fails to understand modern media or audience expectations. Kelly went further, questioning whether Weiss possesses the necessary credentials to lead a major television news operation, pointing out that the editor-in-chief has never worked in television and lacks any background in broadcast journalism.

While acknowledging that Weiss built a successful brand with the Free Press, Kelly insisted that digital media success does not translate into the skills required to manage a television news outlet, particularly one as entrenched and insular as CBS News.

Executive Producer Also Lacks Credentials

Kelly extended her criticism to new “60 Minutes” executive producer Nick Bilton, noting that he similarly lacks traditional broadcast journalism experience. She argued that someone without that background would never gain acceptance from the show’s established staff.

The solution, according to Kelly, requires either carefully managing the existing team of talent and producers or clearing house entirely. What cannot work is the current approach, which she described as amateur hour in the management ranks leading to a very public dispute playing out in full view.

Supports Reform, Questions Execution

Kelly made clear that she supports efforts to bring more fairness and balance to “60 Minutes,” characterizing the attempt as both positive and noble. However, she maintained that CBS leadership has badly mishandled the execution of necessary reforms.

The network has not yet responded to requests for comment on Kelly’s remarks. Pelley has also remained silent following his termination.

With information from New York Post