Rachel Maddow has publicly expressed support for veteran journalist Scott Pelley after his departure from 60 Minutes and CBS News.
During MSNBC’s special election coverage on June 2, Maddow commented on Pelley’s dismissal, saying she hopes he quickly returns to television and would be happy to see him join MSNBC.
Maddow suggested that Pelley’s firing reflects broader concerns about media independence, describing it as part of what she views as an effort to exert greater control over news organizations. She argued that attacks on press freedom often come from those who recognize its importance and warned against the use of political influence to shape media coverage.
According to Maddow, the developments at CBS News appear straightforward and difficult to interpret as anything other than what is publicly visible. She added that while she does not know what Pelley’s next step will be, she hopes it leads him to MSNBC.
She also emphasized that she wants Pelley to remain active in journalism, expressing hope that he returns to television immediately. Maddow encouraged journalists and supporters of a free press to continue finding ways to defend independent reporting.
CBS News has not publicly responded to Maddow’s remarks.
Pelley’s termination was announced on June 2 through a letter from newly appointed 60 Minutes executive producer Nick Bilton. In the letter, Bilton accused Pelley of unprofessional conduct, including hostility toward management and resistance to supporting the show’s future direction.
Reports from both The New York Times and The Guardian indicated that tensions between Pelley and Bilton had escalated during a staff meeting before the firing.
Following his dismissal, Pelley released a statement criticizing CBS leadership. He claimed the network’s new ownership was abandoning the program’s long-standing values in an attempt to gain favor with President Donald Trump. Pelley described the situation as deeply disappointing and damaging to the legacy of 60 Minutes.
The firing came shortly after CBS News parted ways with correspondents Cecilia Vega and Sharyn Alfonsi and replaced executive producer Tanya Smith with Bilton. During a staff meeting on June 1, Pelley reportedly accused CBS News leadership of destroying the identity of 60 Minutes.
Reflecting on his 37-year career at CBS, Pelley said the program had lost its core character after the removal of senior leadership and respected correspondents. He thanked his colleagues for their support throughout his career and expressed hope that the organization would one day return to the principles of professionalism, courage, and strong journalism.
According to Variety, CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss later told staff that Pelley’s departure was not the outcome management wanted but was ultimately the result of choices he made.