MS NOW host Rachel Maddow has backed Scott Pelley after his high-profile departure from CBS. Maddow said she hopes the veteran journalist returns to television without delay. The comments came during special election coverage, where Maddow addressed the growing controversy surrounding Pelley’s exit from 60 Minutes. She criticized the circumstances surrounding the firing. Maddow also openly suggested that Pelley could find a place at her own network.
Scott Pelley gets invited on MS NOW after CBS firing
Rather than focusing only on Pelley’s departure, Maddow used part of her broadcast to discuss what she sees as a larger battle over press freedom. Referring to the veteran journalist’s future, she said, “I don’t know where Scott Pelley will land. Frankly, I hope he lands right here.” Maddow also added that she hopes Pelley remains visible on television and continues his journalism career.
Maddow argued that recent developments at CBS News go beyond a routine personnel dispute. During the segment, she said she had previously joked about an “oligarchic-style takeover of the media” but noted that she was “sort of deadly serious” about the concern. Maddow added (via PEOPLE), “It is a fully joined fight at this point.” She urged journalists and supporters of a free press to find ways to push back against efforts that could weaken independent news organizations.
Pelley’s firing became official on June 2 when new 60 Minutes executive producer Nick Bilton sent him a termination letter. According to details shared by PEOPLE, Bilton accused the veteran correspondent of things like “ambush,” “hostility,” and “misconduct.” The decision came after reported friction between the two, including a tense staff meeting that apparently didn’t go well.
Pelley didn’t hold back in his response. In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, he took aim at the network’s leadership, arguing that the new owners were moving away from what made 60 Minutes special. He claimed the show had “lost its DNA” after several top executives and journalists were pushed out. Pelley suggested the changes were being made to win favor with the Donald Trump administration.
