scott pelley announces retirement after 25 years at cbs news
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a formal statement released this morning, CBS News veteran Scott Pelley has officially announced his retirement from the network, effective at the end of the current news cycle. The 67-year-old anchor and correspondent confirmed the decision after a distinguished 25-year tenure, including his role as lead anchor of the CBS Evening News from 2011 to 2017.
WHO: Scott Pelley, a 13-time Emmy Award winner and former managing editor of the CBS Evening News.
WHAT: Pelley will retire from all CBS News duties, concluding a career highlighted by reporting from over 100 countries, including war zones and natural disasters, and his widely recognized work on 60 Minutes.
WHEN: His retirement is scheduled for the close of the current broadcast season, with his final on-air appearance expected within the next two weeks.
WHERE: Pelley made the announcement from CBS News headquarters in New York City, where he has overseen his segments on 60 Minutes.
WHY: Citing a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue personal writing projects, Pelley stated, "It is time to shift focus from the relentless news cycle to the next chapter of life." The decision follows a period of internal restructuring at CBS News.
Statista data indicates Pelley’s tenure spanned a pivotal era for broadcast journalism, with CBS Evening News viewership declining from an average of 6.5 million in his early years to approximately 3.8 million by the time of his departure from the evening anchor chair. CBS News has not yet announced a permanent replacement for Pelley’s role on 60 Minutes.