Key facts
- Jimmy Kimmel criticized CBS News for firing '60 Minutes' correspondent Scott Pelley.
- Kimmel accused CBS of punishing Pelley for defending journalistic standards.
- Steve Kroft stated that '60 Minutes' no longer exists in its familiar form due to firings.
- Pelley reportedly confronted new executive producer Nick Bilton and editor Bari Weiss.
- Kimmel suggested the firings were politically motivated and linked to Donald Trump's reaction.
Jimmy Kimmel strongly criticized CBS News executives on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' following the firing of '60 Minutes' correspondent Scott Pelley. Kimmel accused the network of being 'Trump suck-ups' and cowardly for dismissing Pelley after he reportedly confronted new executive producer Nick Bilton and CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. Kimmel suggested Pelley was fired for defending the show's journalistic integrity and that the changes were politically motivated. He also mentioned prior dismissals of other CBS personnel. Kimmel referenced Donald Trump's positive reaction to Pelley's firing. Bilton reportedly accused Pelley of an 'ambush,' while Pelley stated '60 Minutes' had 'lost its DNA.' Weiss stated trust had been broken. Adding to the criticism, Steve Kroft, a longtime correspondent for '60 Minutes' who retired in 2019, stated in a new interview that the program 'no longer exists' in its familiar form, citing the substantial firings as the reason for the program's perceived demise.