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| Scott Pelley Courtesy CBS News |
Yeah, Scott Pelley is heroic. He's also unemployed, having violated one of the core tenets for long term office survival: "Save candor for people you respect."
Why, if the venerable "60 Minutes" reporter felt that his new CBS bosses were "murdering" the popular program, would he lay the accusation out before the culprits responsible for the crime? What was he expecting? His new boss to blink, smack his forehead and say, "My God Scott, you're absolutely right! We are being vile corporate asshats wrecking a half century legacy to curry favor with people who are never going to like us anyway. Thank you for alerting me to just how unqualified I truly am... "
In the years I worked for David Radler, I never looked him in the eye over lunch and said, "Hey David — you're kind of a crook and a scumbag, aren't you?" Though I certainly thought it.
Why, if the venerable "60 Minutes" reporter felt that his new CBS bosses were "murdering" the popular program, would he lay the accusation out before the culprits responsible for the crime? What was he expecting? His new boss to blink, smack his forehead and say, "My God Scott, you're absolutely right! We are being vile corporate asshats wrecking a half century legacy to curry favor with people who are never going to like us anyway. Thank you for alerting me to just how unqualified I truly am... "
In the years I worked for David Radler, I never looked him in the eye over lunch and said, "Hey David — you're kind of a crook and a scumbag, aren't you?" Though I certainly thought it.
Cowardly? Sure. In war, the brave lead the charge to an early grave, while the timid, bringing up the rear, become generals. Telling off people is like punching them — it looks great, in the movies. In real life, however, you break your hand and end up in court proceedings that stretch out for six years.
That doesn't mean I didn't try to nudge Radler in certain directions. He was very much pro-whatever-Israel-is-doing-at-the-moment. I remember saying something to him to the effect of, "I was a high school debater. Part of being persuasive is acknowledging what value you can in the other person's argument. You're 110 percent pro-Israel. But if you were only 90 percent, you'd be more effective. For instance, the Palestinians, they're human beings, right? We can agree on that? Can't we?"
Apparently not. Which returns to the futility of holding a mirror to idiots. They won't see their true reflection, won't see anything they didn't see in their bathroom mirror that morning when they were cooing, "Look at you, you handsome devil. Just the guy to fix '60 Minutes.'" That's why I try to never argue with Trumpers anymore. They built this solid house of a personality, brick by brick, row by row, over their whole lifetime. And I'm endeavoring to put my shoulder to the the thing and topple it in a throw? Never happen.
Apparently not. Which returns to the futility of holding a mirror to idiots. They won't see their true reflection, won't see anything they didn't see in their bathroom mirror that morning when they were cooing, "Look at you, you handsome devil. Just the guy to fix '60 Minutes.'" That's why I try to never argue with Trumpers anymore. They built this solid house of a personality, brick by brick, row by row, over their whole lifetime. And I'm endeavoring to put my shoulder to the the thing and topple it in a throw? Never happen.
So, as much as I believe that the labels "liar, bully, fraud and traitor" are not insults, not rhetoric, but mere dry journalistic descriptions, backed by facts, when referring to Donald Trump, should I find myself actually in the presence of the 47th president, I do not believe I would try to inform him of the fact. What would be the point?
What would I say instead? Maybe something that had a shred of a chance to lodge somewhere. "You know, in constantly honoring yourself, you make such honors hollow. A joke, really. Maybe consider pivoting to becoming a good president who respects American traditions the last two years in office. You'll be honored a lot more."
Nah, even that is giving myself too much credit. I'd probably shake his hand and say, "We met when you were buying the Sun-Times Building. What have you been up to lately?"
I think it was obvious Pelley was going to quit, even before that talentless jerk Bilton was hired.
ReplyDeleteAfter all, that worthless wing nut fool Bari Weiss had already fired Tanya Simon, the boss of 60 Minutes & reporters Cecilia Vega & Sharon Alfonsi, along with several producers there.
So he must've figured, I'll go out with a bang!
And maybe he knows that there are some people trying to fund a PBS clone of 60 Minutes?
With all of the dismay over the corruption, compromise and knee-capping at network and cable news outlets, I urge more viewers to check out PBS. Programs like NewsHour, Chicago Tonight, BBC News, Amanpour and Co., and Frontline are way better than anything that was ever on any of the networks anyway, and no commercials! I even became a subscriber to WTTW and make occasional small donations that I really can’t afford since their funding was gutted last year.
DeletePBS is good indeed.
DeleteGives me a good reason not to watch 60 Minutes. I am so happy that Pelley stood up for himself and all the good people of 60 Minutes. And I certainly hope that one of the other channels with chutzpah (sp?) gives him a show opposite their time slot so he can take them down!
ReplyDeleteThe moment I read about Pelley's apposite rant, it seemed clear to me that he wanted to depart the network, and wanted to go out big. Not with bombast as he walked out the figurative door in a resignation statement, but directly in the face of his new 'boss, Nick Bilton. I have no doubt that he knew as he was doing it that it would hit social media and the press almost instantly, and embarrass the powers that be.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see where he lands next.
I'm sure he knew what was coming when he did what he did. He doesn't need a job. He's almost 70 and he's worth millions. He'll be fine. Better to sound the alarm and leave. I appreciate that lower-level folks have a hard decision to make: stay on the sabotaged ship or leave and hope to land somewhere in an ever-shrinking media landscape. But it's a no-brainer for folks like Pelley. You can't put a price on itegrity.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Scott Pelley has plenty of fuck-you money.
ReplyDeleteYour advice to try to debate those with grossly different opinions by opening with something both can agree with is sound, and can lead to some eventual evolution of tolerance. But you I think it important to speak truth to lies like Pelley did, as it reminds like minded people they are not alone, and gives them hope. And you did a great job for those of us who support and not wish to suppress free press by reminding us we have a choice to speak truth or be crushed by the silence, Kudos Neil.
ReplyDeleteHe did exactly he should have. Because he could. Bravo to him.
ReplyDeleteExactly. Those who have the security of his wealth and age should use it to help.
DeleteHe did exactly what he should have because he could. Knowing the consequences, Bravo to him. Should he have stayed and told America less and less of the the truth?
ReplyDeleteIt's unfortunate that the opportunity to speak your mind - and in this and so many cases these days, the truth - is available only to those who have the resources (age, money, contacts) to do so knowing there will be a soft landing. I'm so glad Pelley let loose on the incompetents-with-an-agenda at CBS. I agree that those who are in their prime career years with families and mortgages have to hang on and hope for the best in these times of insanity.
ReplyDeleteMy basic life strategy: Never punish yourself because someone else is an asshole.
ReplyDeleteHigh school debate team ? Explains a lot.
ReplyDeleteHypocritical coward.
Wanna have lunch? I'll say it to your face .
Lost all respect for you today
A) High school debate is great; B) To you. C) Spoken like a guy writing under "anonymous." D) No. E) You wouldn't; it's easy to be brave in theory; F) As I always consider the source, what makes you think your respect is a prize I covet?
DeleteBravo, Neil.
DeleteSome of the most annoying smart asses I've ever met. High school debate team
DeleteYou got two ears and one mouth because you're supposed to listen more than you talk.
You're the one that's not brave enough to say something to Trump's face
The anonymity of a newspaper and a blog suits you fine
Tom
"Tom"
DeleteI can see how someone might be put off by high school debaters. Especially if one never progressed beyond high school. High school debaters often have a mastery of skills few of us ever grasp until we're well past our college years, the ability to take command of a subject (one they are given, mind you) and the oratory training to express the required opinions. Unless you have ever been to a debate tournament, have had it explained to you, or have learned about it by watching YouTube videos, the only experience you will have with high school debate, are the people who are in it. And if you are of a more simplistic mindset, you'll find them abrasive. I get it. It is small minded and sad, childish if you will.
You have two ears so that you can hear in stereo, know what's around you, and have a relatively good idea of what direction danger is coming from. You can hum and make noise while your mouth is closed, so it really makes no difference how many of those you have, despite your ancient proverb.
I will also guarantee a vast majority of those who speak up against donald trump would not only say their opinions directly to his face, they would do so with a manner of respect not a single conservative seems to posses.
Lastly, Mr. Steinberg not only has a column in the paper, but he was -- and still is -- featured prominently in the Sun-Times advertisement campaigns. He is only less anonymous than a public official (unless we're talking about New Jersey Republican US Representatives).
There is nothing that Neil -- or anyone else here -- is going to be able to tell you that will change you mind of anything. I am sorry that you were embarrassed by a high school debater and that you don't feel society has given you a fair shake. I'm sorry that you feel its better to put others down in hopes of making yourself feel bigger. I'm sorry that you don't have the support of a good community or family. Maybe we'll get lucky, and something will happen to open your eyes or take some of the anger away. and if or when that happens, I bet there are a lot of people out there who will welcome you with open arms.
And ironically, I'd be willing to bet that most of those "annoying smart asses" you speak of, are probably some of the best listeners you'll ever meet. After all, a debate has two sides and requires the deep understanding of each argument, its merits and its flaws.
I'd use your eyes to look up the definition of a coward, you might be surprised by what you read. I might then take a good long look in a mirror.
And not a single obscenity. I could never do that. Bravissimo...
DeleteWhether or not Pelley WANTED to be fired and go out in a blaze of glory we may never know, but what I think we do know is that CBS News fell right into a trap by not shrugging off his remarks in that meeting as "disagreements that happen in families" and saying something serene along the lines of "We understand Scott's apprehensions and we hope he continues to do great work for us a we prove his fears unfounded." End of story.
ReplyDeleteInstead the publicity for CBS has been awful and to no good end.
I'm guessing Neil will agree with me that the best bosses/supervisors are thick skinned and confident enough to brook disagreement. The thin-skinned ones bristle when confronted and reveal their insecurities
They are indeed. The great Michael Cooke once, after reading about Marines training by drinking urine, suggested I do the same for a column. I thought about that a moment. "You know Michael," I replied. "You have a lot of good ideas. But that doesn't mean all of your ideas are good."
DeleteGood point, NS. Distraction is the better part of valor. Pelley could get away with it.
DeleteThis post is a masterpiece and coming from someone who has been around the block many times. I survived working at a great company for 33 years and retired on my terms and you'll make 40 and go when your ready. Years ago I worked at another company and my boss wisely sat me down and pointed out we come to work for one reason and one reasononly, to get paid. Everything else is BS. You don't like the way things are going? Go somewhere else. I digested that and tried my best to shut up. And I had to deal with some real idiots before I left. But so what, I am there to get paid. That's the deal.
ReplyDeletePeople only go to work for money? No other purpose?
DeleteIsn't that how we remain locked in this sewer of corruption and inhumanity?
If I had to guess, I'd say that Pelley was fired a moment before he turned to walk out the door. In a battle of egos, his boss wanted to take the kill shot.
ReplyDeleteNeil,
ReplyDeleteGreat piece.
I will say, this further solidifies my opinions on financially boycotting the places that support these "actions."
Every time a republican legislator retires, doesn't stand for reelection, or loses a primary, they are suddenly happy to do the "right" thing. This is cowardice at its finest.
Mr. Pelley was always going to be unemployed before the end of Trumps current term. We still seem to pull punches when we talk about the media landscape. People defend those who still collect a paycheck at institutions that have been handcuffed and gutted by private equity and venture capitalists like they should be honored. I get it, I have a job because i need a job, not because i want a job.
But there is something to be said about someone who has a job taken from them for doing what is right. And yes Mr. Pelley is out of a job, and that sucks, but it was torn from him for literally doing his job. So I'm glad he was able to stand up and speak the truth.
CBS needs to be banished. its money needs to be shut off. all of it's advertisers need to be boycotted, and their NFL games should be avoided. Money talks, and right now, that's all people care about. Listening to Scott Bessent yesterday only underscores that.
Any sane American should be doing only two things right now, finding a way to spread the actual truth to the redhats and the center and anything right of it. They are being lied to and it is our job to get them the truth. An informed public is necessary for democracy to work.
And secondly, we should be guarding our no longer minted pennies with extreme care. Avoid driving a car where ever possible; use public transit and bike. Don't shop at places that support conservatives, mindless maga, or those who stay silent in their toxic "both sides" slop.
Yeah, it's going to suck. Yeah, we're going to suffer. Yeah, you can cry about it (and should). But this shit storm isn't going to get any better unless we fight on their terms. Sepp Gangl died a hero for the allies but he rarely gets even mentioned. You don't win the war with those who are still employed, you win the war with those who have the courage to stand up in the face of the enemy and lose everything. That's how the voting rights act was won. That's how women won the right to vote. That's how we legalized gay marriage.
We're afraid to fight because of what we may lose. At that point, we have already lost.
David Radler! My favorite from those halcyon days was always Baron Black of Crossharbour! I'll bet he was a joy.
ReplyDeleteI only laid eyes on him once. I slipped into the back one day at his trial. I wanted to see the man.
DeletePerhaps he knew he'd get the axe, but also plenty of coverage of what he said and why he said it. In this day and age, there's no such thing as a private conversation. And in that business, no such thing as a quiet firing.
ReplyDeleteAmong my (real-world, met in 3-D space) friends is a longtime veteran of CBS News, who shares his horror at what the network has devolved into, as he looks back at some of the people whose memory is being tarnished.
ReplyDeleteEd Bradley, Bob Simon, and more. And more and more and more...
CBS: Collaborative Bull Shit. They've been getting progressively worse for years. They didn't just become kiss-ass. They were turning bad well before 45 became 47, sixteen months ago. Scott Pelley's GFY "blaze of glory" rant was just the green icing on the poisoned cake. In reality, the sad decline of CBS began far earlier than 2025-26.
ReplyDeleteHave not watched any CBS prime-time slop in many years, as it's just as unwatchable as anything on ABC or NBC. Those halcyon days of platinum-quality programming ("Northern Exposure" and "MASH" immediately come to mind) ended decades ago. replaced by mindless reality bushwa and violent trash. From first to worst. Doesn't just happen at Wrigley.
Fell out of the '60 Minutes" habit long before the current hoo-ha. For much of the year, it gets pre-empted or postponed for yet another goddamn football game. Or worse still, another steenkeeng golf tournament.
Watching pro golfers on a screen is like watching paint dry. A pastime for the idle rich, and CBS has carried the whole PGA circuit for far too long. As for the CBS Evening News, not much left to say. It's gone completely to hell. Norah O'Donnel was the worst offender. A talking Bratz doll. As bad as Katie was. Maybe more so.
First we lost Colbert, then 60 Minutes will go, and finally Sunday Morning will get the axe. Only thing left will be the NFL. And I live in Cleveland, so I gave up on that circus many moons ago. If it's Brown, flush it down.
CBS: From Cadillac (or maybe Bugatti) to Yugo Makes me wanna cry...or puke.
Live long enough, and you get to see too much of what you love turn to shit.
Well said.I should have learned years ago not to hold a mirror to an idiot. It would have saved me significant aggravation.
ReplyDeletePelly's public airing of grievances over CBS leadership reminded me of the time Mike Wallace publicly called out CBS for "caving" to the tobacco industry when they spiked his interview with a tobacco industry whistleblower. Wallace wasn't fired, though, despite his cutting criticism. And the truth, as well as the interview, eventually came out. My perception is that CBS has mishandled the dismantling/reformulation -whatever you want to call it - of 60 Minutes since B Weiss was hired. Things are just unraveling faster now. I was a longtime fan of the show, but I began to sour after the fiasco involving Sharon Alfonsi's segment on the CECOT prison. I watched a "bootleg" (Canadian broadcast) version after Weiss badly bungled an attempt at suppression.
ReplyDeleteYep, can't reason with Dump fans.
ReplyDeleteLeslie Stahl is next.
ReplyDeletethe anon at 9:02 is rude as is the tom person and off base, but you are prob a little envious of Mr. Pelley
ReplyDeleteThere is plenty of rude in the comments to go around, along with snark and scoring. Same with buffing the shine on someone who doesn't need it. Tactics learned in high school athletics, debate club and any middle school cafeteria.
DeleteThere are flaws in every person's reasoning.