Former “60 Minutes” correspondent Steve Kroft criticizes recent personnel changes at CBS News and the newsmagazine, arguing the actions disrupt editorial independence. Speaking with Geoff Bennett on PBS NewsHour, Kroft describes the shakeup as “journalistic interference,” saying it makes “no business sense whatsoever.”
Kroft addresses the fallout involving Scott Pelley’s firing from “60 Minutes,” as well as additional departures tied to the restructuring. He also references the dismissal of “60 Minutes” executive producer Tanya Simon and the release of correspondents Cecilia Vega and Sharyn Alfonsi by CBS News. In the interview, Kroft frames the situation as causing turmoil and division around the program.
Both accounts report that Kroft’s comments come amid ongoing debate over how CBS News handles staffing and editorial control during changes to its leadership and on-air roster. The outlets characterize his statements as strongly critical, while CBS News’ perspective on the reasons for the firings is not included in the excerpts provided.
