After Scott Pelley was fired by CBS, the former 60 Minutes anchor suggested in an interview with The New York Times that it came as a complete surprise. Now, FCC Chair Brendan Carr is weighing in on social media, calling Scott Pelley and other legacy journalists “out of touch.”
One of the reasons why trust in media is so low is because many legacy journalists are completely out of touch.
You could not get away with that behavior at any run of the mill job. It is revealing to see how blind some are to that.
— Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) June 7, 2026
Rather than suggesting any regulatory intervention, Carr’s blunt assessment puts into words what many viewers have felt for some time.
Brendan Carr Says Scott Pelley Is “Out of Touch”
In the NYT interview, Pelley alleged that CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and others pressured him to change his reporting on a politically sensitive story. Pelley said he defied those instructions. Speaking of the new leadership, he argued that they “don’t know what they’re doing.” He also said he believes there is “a subtle political bias” in the network’s news division.
Additionally, at a staff meeting convened to introduce new 60 Minutes executive producer Nick Bilton, Pelley reportedly launched a series of criticisms aimed at Weiss, who sources say was not present. According to Deadline, Pelley accused Weiss of “murdering 60 Minutes.” He also claimed that she is unqualified for her role and argued that Bilton has only “slender qualifications for this job.”
Ultimately, while his attitude may have contributed to his dismissal, Pelley said the firing caught him completely off guard. He explained that CBS News president Tom Cibrowski requested a meeting. But getting fired was the “furthest thing from my mind.” He later added, “Some reporter I turned out to be. I just didn’t connect the dots.”
Scott Pelley and David Letterman – Letterman, YouTube
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According to Pelley, the atmosphere in the room was hostile and dismissive. He said the meeting ended very quickly, and several hours later he received an email informing him that he had been fired.
Commenting on the Scott Pelley interview, Brendan Carr wrote, “One of the reasons why trust in media is so low is because many legacy journalists are completely out of touch.” Emphasizing the point, he added, “You could not get away with that behavior at any run of the mill job. It is revealing to see how blind some are to that.”
A Growing Divide Between Media and Viewers
Many users on X were quick to express agreement with Brendan Carr’s assessment of the Scott Pelley situation.
Michigan-based independent journalist Dave Bondy replied, “Apparently, he thought he was untouchable. All of us are replaceable. You are correct, it’s that type of mentality that has people turning against the media left and right.”
Apparently, he thought he was untouchable. All of us are replaceable. You are correct, it’s that type of mentality that has people turning against the media left and right.
— Dave Bondy (@DaveBondyTV) June 7, 2026
Others pointed out that refusing to follow instructions from leadership would produce the same outcome in most workplaces, regardless of status. Some argued that Pelley’s comments reflected a lack of accountability, which they believe can contribute to bias.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr testifies before House subcommittee – CBS News, YouTube
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However, Carr also received backlash. Some users accused him of supporting the Trump administration’s broader criticism of the press. Notably, the FCC was not directly involved in CBS’s decision to fire Scott Pelley, and Brendan Carr’s post was framed as a general observation about public trust in the media.
Trust in Media Remains a Flashpoint
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding Scott Pelley’s firing, Brendan Carr’s response resonated because it reflected a sentiment that already existed.
The logo for 60 Minutes – YouTube, CBS Evening News
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Many viewers have grown skeptical of legacy media institutions and the people who lead them. While Pelley’s supporters view him as a journalist standing by his principles, critics see his comments as evidence of an industry that has become disconnected from the public it serves. The reaction online suggests that the debate is far from over.
Do you agree with Brendan Carr that legacy journalists like Scott Pelley are out of touch? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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