Ousted ’60 Minutes’ Journalists Alfonsi and Pelley Join Columbia as Visiting Faculty

Columbia Journalism School announced Monday that it has hired recently dismissed “60 Minutes” correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Scott Pelley as journalists-in-residence for the 2026–27 academic year. The pair departed CBS News following high-profile clashes with CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss over editorial direction and efforts to reduce partisan coverage at the storied news program.

In their new positions, Alfonsi and Pelley will mentor students through lectures, workshops and specialized events focused on strengthening reporting, investigative and sourcing techniques. Both will also contribute to the Columbia Journalism Review, the school’s flagship publication, according to the announcement.

Pelley was terminated in June after confronting Weiss during an all-staff meeting meant to introduce new executive producer Nick Bilton. Pelley accused Weiss of “murdering” the program and questioned Bilton’s qualifications for the role. Producer Nick Bilton subsequently fired Pelley, characterizing his remarks as a “performative display of hostility” that undermined collaborative efforts.

Alfonsi’s contract was not renewed months after she protested Weiss’s decision to delay a segment about conditions at El Salvador’s CECOT prison. The story, which featured interviews with released deportees describing torture, ultimately aired in January after Alfonsi’s objections became public.

“This is a critical time for a free press,” Pelley said in a statement. “Columbia is leading the way in training the next generation of great journalists, and I am honored to join Sharyn in that vital cause.” Weiss has implemented numerous changes at “60 Minutes” since her arrival, drawing criticism from liberal media observers.