The stopwatch keeps ticking after “60 Minutes.â€
Sharyn Alfonsi and Scott Pelley were both named journalists-in-residence at Columbia University‘s School of Journalism Monday, a position that will be in place for the 2026-2027 academic term. The two former “60 Minutes†correspondents will work with students through lectures, workshops and special events, and they will each contribute a piece to the Columbia Journalism Review.
“We're both excited and honored to welcome two journalists of this caliber to our Journalist in Residence Program,†said Jelani Cobb, dean of the Journalism School, in a statement. “Their distinguished track records in investigative reporting highlight the amazing opportunity our students will have to learn from them, and we look forward to having Sharyn and Scott with us this year.â€
Both journalists were ousted from the CBS News newsmagazine earlier this year, part of a radical overhaul of a venerable program that has continued to draw big crowds and win plaudits for its coverage. Alfonsi departed after clashing with Bari Weiss, CBS News' editor in chief, who delayed the airing of a report the journalist had prepared investigating the deportation of migrants to harsh prisons in Venezuela. Pelley was pushed out after calling out the show's new executive producer, Nick Bilton, during an internal meeting.
Weiss dramatically overhauled the program in May and June, dispatching half the on-air staff and several senior producers. Tanya Simon, the former executive producer, was replaced by Bilton. In addition to Alfonsi and Pelley, Cecilia Vega was also pushed out. Anderson Cooper left earlier in the year.
“Joining Columbia University as a Journalist in Residence is an extraordinary privilege, especially at a time when deep, rigorous and fearless reporting has never been more vital,†said Alfonsi, in a statement. “I'm excited to work with the next generation of journalists who are eager to ask the tough questions that hold power accountable.â€
Pelley echoed her sentiments. “This is a critical time for a free press,†he said in a statement. “Columbia is leading the way in training the next generation of great journalists and I am honored to join Sharyn in that vital cause.â€
