CBS News fires Scott Pelley after conflict with new ’60 Minutes’ producer

CBS News fired veteran ’60 Minutes’ correspondent Scott Pelley …just one day after a violent clash with the series’ new executive producer.

Tensions escalated this week during a staff meeting, when new executive producer Nick Bilton was presented to the newsroom…and Pelley openly criticized the decision – however, a letter was sent to Pelley the next day, saying that CBS News was firing him immediately.

Pelley reportedly openly criticized the leadership of the long-running news magazine and took aim at the head of CBS News. Bari Weissaccusing him of dismantling the culture that made “60 Minutes” a television institution.

During the standoff, Pelley reportedly questioned why Bilton would even accept the role given the resistance he faced from longtime staff.

Pelley joined CBS News in 1989 and became one of its most recognizable faces, serving as anchor of “CBS Evening News” and spending more than two decades as a correspondent for “60 Minutes.”

His firing is the latest chapter in the ongoing turmoil surrounding the legendary news program. Staffers have reportedly been divided over major editorial and management changes since Paramount’s merger with Skydance, led by media executive. David Ellison.