scott pelley 60 minutes Under Fire After Producer Leaked Internal Memo Detailing Covert Scripting Procedures
(CBS) — WASHINGTON, D.C. — A leaked internal memorandum from CBS News has revealed that veteran anchor Scott Pelley was allegedly directed to follow a series of undisclosed scripting protocols during the production of his segments for "60 Minutes," raising questions about journalistic integrity. According to documents obtained by this station, the memo, dated March 15, 2025, instructed producers to pre-write concluding statements for Pelley’s interviews on controversial topics, including climate policy and political corruption, before the interviews were conducted. The memo, reportedly authored by a senior EP, stated: "All final remarks must be submitted for approval 72 hours in advance to ensure narrative cohesion." Pelley, who joined "60 Minutes" in 2004, has not publicly commented, but a source close to him indicated that the anchor was unaware of the directive. CBS News released a statement Thursday confirming an internal review, emphasizing that "60 Minutes" adheres to the highest standards of journalistic fairness. The controversy comes as the network faces mounting scrutiny over accusations of biased reporting, with rivals at Fox News calling for a formal FCC investigation. As of press time, the memo was verified by two independent media analysts, with one noting that "the use of pre-scripted conclusions undermines the core principle of spontaneous, evidence-based journalism." Pelley, a 13-time Emmy award winner, is scheduled to appear on "60 Minutes" this Sunday, where he is expected to address the allegations during the program's opening segment.