Steve Kroft Condemns ’60 Minutes’ as a Toxic, Cutthroat Workplace
Steve Kroft, a veteran journalist and former correspondent on “60 Minutes,” has recently voiced strong criticisms of the CBS program. He labeled the workplace as a “snake pit,” rife with “no civility.” In an interview with podcaster Bill O’Reilly, Kroft, aged 80, reflected on his 30 years with the show, stating that he would not choose to return if given the opportunity. His description of the role was far from flattering; he characterized it as a relentless grind, a psychological battlefield that took a toll on him over time.
Brutal Work Environment at ’60 Minutes’
Kroft elaborated on the job’s demanding nature, claiming it was an all-consuming endeavor that required constant travel, writing, editing, and screenings. “It was a nonstop cycle,” he noted, leaving little time for rest. He described the environment as an intense competition where journalists constantly vied for status and airtime, creating an atmosphere of suspicion among colleagues.
Warnings from Dan Rather
Before joining “60 Minutes,” Kroft received a cautionary message from Dan Rather about the cutthroat culture within the newsroom. Rather warned him that the environment was filled with “big cats” who could undermine colleagues, leaving them metaphorically “limping for six months.” Kroft confirmed that these warnings were accurate upon his arrival.
Legacy Moments and the Clinton Interview
Among his notable career highlights, Kroft remembered an interview with Bill and Hillary Clinton during the 1992 campaign. This segment came together last-minute, as Kroft secured a coveted post-Super Bowl slot after the Clintons canceled another appearance. Unbeknownst to them, Kroft had prepared probing questions regarding escalating allegations about Gennifer Flowers, catching Clinton off guard.
- Interview Impact: The encounter turned into a defining moment for the campaign.
- Public Reaction: Hillary Clinton criticized Kroft for his “mean questions,” which led to wider controversy.
- Kroft’s View: He aligned with O’Reilly’s opinion, stating that Clinton was “not a truthful man.”
Looking Ahead: Changes at CBS News
Kroft departed from “60 Minutes” in 2019. In light of recent developments, Bari Weiss, CBS News’ new editor-in-chief, is planning significant changes to the show. These adjustments, prompted by the Paramount-Skydance merger, signal a shift in editorial direction aimed at attracting a younger audience.
The proposed changes have sparked uncertainty in the newsroom, with concerns about potential layoffs and resource allocation. As executives rethink the program’s lineup, the atmosphere at CBS remains tense, reflecting the evolving landscape of broadcast journalism.
