Scott Pelley

Scott Pelley is an acclaimed American broadcast journalist and author, best known for his long tenure as a correspondent for the iconic news magazine 60 Minutes and as the former anchor of the CBS Evening News. His career at CBS News, spanning over four decades, has been marked by hard-hitting investigative reporting, coverage of major global events, and a commitment to journalistic integrity. Pelley has received numerous prestigious awards, including multiple Emmy Awards and Peabody Awards, solidifying his reputation as one of the most respected figures in broadcast journalism.

Early Life and Education

Scott Pelley was born in San Antonio, Texas, and developed an early interest in journalism while working for his high school newspaper. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, where he majored in journalism and began his professional career while still a student. During his time at the university, he worked as a reporter and photographer for the local CBS affiliate, KCBD, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in television news. This early foundation in West Texas instilled in him the rigorous work ethic and storytelling principles that would define his later career on the national stage.

Career

Pelley's national career with CBS News began in New York City in 1989, following notable work at several local stations, including WDEF-TV in Chattanooga. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a White House correspondent during the administration of President George H. W. Bush and covering pivotal events such as the Persian Gulf War. He served as the chief correspondent for the CBS Evening News and as a contributor to 48 Hours before joining the staff of 60 Minutes in 2003. In 2011, he was named anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News, a position he held until 2017, after which he returned full-time to 60 Minutes. In 2021, he expanded his role to become the anchor of the network's flagship streaming program, CBS News.

Notable Works

Throughout his tenure at 60 Minutes, Pelley has reported on a vast array of significant stories, demonstrating a particular focus on investigative and international journalism. His notable reports include an extensive investigation into the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster, a groundbreaking interview with former FBI Director James Comey, and harrowing coverage from war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. He secured a rare interview with King Abdullah II of Jordan on regional security and produced a critically acclaimed segment on the challenges facing the Marine Corps. His work often sheds light on government accountability, corporate malfeasance, and human rights issues, contributing to national discourse and policy debates.

Awards and Recognition

Scott Pelley's body of work has been honored with virtually every major award in broadcast journalism. He is a three-time recipient of the Peabody Award, recognizing his reports on the National Security Agency and military healthcare, among others. He has won over a dozen National News Emmy Awards, including for his coverage of the September 11 attacks and the war in Afghanistan. Other accolades include the Edward R. Murrow Award, the George Polk Award, and the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. In 2023, he was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on the industry.

Personal Life

Pelley has been married to Jane Boone since 1983, and the couple has two children. He is the author of the non-fiction book Truth Worth Telling, which chronicles pivotal moments from his career and reflects on the principles of journalism. A dedicated advocate for journalistic ethics, he has served on the board of the Committee to Protect Journalists and frequently speaks on the importance of a free press. He maintains a residence in New York City and is known to be an avid photographer, a skill he first cultivated during his early days as a reporter in Texas.

Category:American television journalists Category:CBS News people Category:1957 births Category:Living people Category:Texas Tech University alumni Category:People from San Antonio Category:60 Minutes correspondents Category:Peabody Award winners