Former "60 Minutes" correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Scott Pelley have been appointed journalists-in-residence at Columbia Journalism School (CJS) for the 2026–27 academic year. The announcement comes after their departures from CBS News, which sources attribute to clashes with CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and new leadership.
Alfonsi and Pelley are set to work with students through lectures, workshops, and special events aimed at enhancing reporting, investigative, and sourcing skills. They will also contribute to the Columbia Journalism Review.
"This is a critical time for a free press," Pelley stated. "Columbia is leading the way in training the next generation of great journalists, and I am honored to join Sharyn in that vital cause."
Pelley's exit from "60 Minutes" occurred in June after he reportedly confronted new executive producer Nick Bilton and accused Weiss of "murdering" the program during an all-staff meeting. According to reports, Pelley told staffers that Weiss "does not love this place. She was brought in to kill it and is doing exactly that." He also commented on Bilton's qualifications for the role.
Bilton subsequently sent a memo to Pelley, stating that his actions demonstrated "no interest in contributing to the future success of the show, or approaching my new tenure with a mind open to collaboration and progress." Pelley was fired the following day.
Alfonsi's contract with CBS News was not renewed months after she publicly criticized Weiss for delaying a segment on alleged abuses at El Salvador's CECOT prison. Alfonsi had claimed in a note to colleagues that Weiss had "spiked" the story for political reasons rather than editorial ones, preventing further discussion.
CBS News ultimately aired the segment, titled "Inside CECOT," in January. A CBS spokesperson had previously stated that the segment required "additional reporting," citing concerns about obtaining an on-the-record response from the Trump administration.