Pelley and Alfonsi Transition to Journalism Education Roles at Columbia Following ’60 Minutes’ Departures

Scott Pelley and Sharyn Alfonsi, both dismissed from their positions at “60 Minutes” during a recent restructuring of CBS News operations, have accepted appointments at Columbia Journalism School as Journalists in Residence. The school announced the placements Monday, marking a significant transition for the two veteran journalists who departed the network two months prior under changes implemented by CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss.

In their part-time roles, Pelley and Alfonsi will guide student journalists through mentoring and lectures while also contributing editorial work to the Columbia Journalism Review. Columbia Journalism School Dean Jelani Cobb emphasized the value their hiring brings to students, noting that the correspondents’ decades-long reporting careers have addressed major national issues spanning warfare, electoral politics, public health crises, criminal justice systems and international developments.

Pelley, who anchored “CBS Evening News” and spent 27 of his 37 network years at “60 Minutes,” said the appointment reflects the importance of press freedom. Alfonsi, who had served more than a decade as a “60 Minutes” correspondent before her contract went unrenewed, described the opportunity as vital during an era demanding accountability journalism.

Cobb disclosed that he contacted Pelley immediately after his early June termination, which followed Pelley’s direct challenge to network leadership regarding the restructuring. The overhaul included replacing longtime executive producer Tanya Simon with Nick Bilton, whose background contained minimal significant broadcast television experience. Both journalists will participate in a November 11 panel discussion moderated by Cobb examining their career work and ethical challenges they navigated throughout their tenures.