Scott Pelley, the longtime CBS journalist and 60 Minutes correspondent, remains one of the most trusted names in American media. In 2025, as misinformation floods digital platforms, Pelley’s reputation for accuracy and empathy shines brighter than ever. Viewers continue to rely on him each Sunday night for stories that inform, inspire, and hold power accountable.
Throughout his decades-long career, Scott Pelley has earned a reputation for fearless reporting and compassionate storytelling. His work on 60 Minutes continues to bridge the gap between breaking news and meaningful understanding—something few journalists manage to do with such grace and depth.
Scott Pelley’s Enduring Presence on 60 Minutes
Scott Pelley joined 60 Minutes in 2004 and has since become a defining voice of the program. Nearly 20 years later, he continues to deliver the kind of reporting that made 60 Minutes a national institution. His calm tone, thoughtful questioning, and careful attention to facts set him apart in an age of fast, opinion-driven news.
As of November 2025, Pelley remains one of the show’s leading correspondents. His recent stories have tackled complex issues like global conflict, artificial intelligence, and climate change. Yet, even when reporting on the world’s most serious topics, Pelley finds ways to bring humanity into the conversation.
His storytelling goes beyond headlines. Each segment is deeply researched and grounded in facts but delivered with the emotional intelligence that keeps viewers engaged. Because of this balance, Pelley remains one of the most recognizable and respected journalists in America.
Recent 60 Minutes Reports That Captured America’s Attention
Scott Pelley’s 2025 reporting for 60 Minutes reflects his unmatched ability to simplify complex issues while keeping audiences emotionally connected. Some of his most recent standout segments include:
- “AI and the Workforce Revolution” (June 2025): Pelley explored how artificial intelligence is transforming American jobs and what it means for future generations. His report highlighted real workers adapting to automation while sparking national discussion on ethics and job security.
- “Ukraine’s Long Road to Recovery” (September 2025): From the frontlines, Pelley showed the courage of ordinary citizens rebuilding their lives amid war, bringing viewers a human look at a global crisis.
- “The Next Climate Challenge” (October 2025): This powerful segment focused on how American communities are confronting rising sea levels, droughts, and extreme weather. Pelley’s interviews with scientists and families revealed how climate change touches daily life.
- “America’s Veterans Reimagined” (April 2025): He followed the stories of veterans rebuilding careers and families after returning home, offering a compassionate view of sacrifice and recovery.
Each of these stories captured national attention. Moreover, they reaffirmed Pelley’s belief that good journalism connects facts with feeling.
A Career Rooted in Service and Integrity
Scott Pelley’s path to 60 Minutes began in Texas, where he started as a local reporter in Lubbock. His natural curiosity and sense of duty quickly propelled him to CBS News in 1989. Over the next three decades, he became a familiar face covering some of the most defining events in U.S. and world history.
He reported from war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, covered the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, and documented major political transitions around the world. Through it all, Pelley earned the respect of colleagues and audiences alike for his calm professionalism.
His work reflects a lifelong dedication to truth. He once said, “Facts are not the enemy. Facts are the foundation.” That principle has guided every story he’s told, whether from the Oval Office or a small town in the Midwest.
From CBS Evening News to 60 Minutes
Before returning full-time to 60 Minutes, Scott Pelley served as anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News from 2011 to 2017. During that period, the show regained audience trust and became one of the most respected nightly newscasts on television.
Under Pelley’s leadership, the Evening News emphasized accuracy and empathy. He avoided sensationalism and focused on stories that helped Americans understand—not fear—the world around them. As a result, viewership grew steadily, and the program earned numerous journalism awards.
After stepping down from the anchor desk, Pelley rejoined 60 Minutes with renewed focus. The transition allowed him to spend more time on the in-depth storytelling he loves most.
Award-Winning Journalism That Sets the Standard
Over his 40-year career, Scott Pelley has earned more than 40 Emmy Awards and five Peabody Awards. These honors reflect the consistency and quality of his work.
His peers often describe him as meticulous and deeply committed to the truth. He double-checks every fact, ensures fairness in every interview, and treats every subject—no matter how small—with respect.
Pelley’s professionalism sets an example for younger reporters who see him as a mentor. In journalism schools, his work is often studied as a model for responsible, ethical reporting.
Scott Pelley’s Philosophy: Journalism as Public Service
Scott Pelley views journalism as more than a career—it’s a public trust. He believes that journalists serve citizens, not institutions. His storytelling style reflects this belief, combining integrity with empathy.
He often says, “Journalism isn’t about us—it’s about them,” referring to the people whose stories he tells. Whether covering world leaders or everyday heroes, Pelley always focuses on how news impacts real lives.
Transitioning between hard facts and emotional depth, he connects global issues to the personal experiences of viewers. His goal is to help people not only learn but also understand.
Why 60 Minutes Remains America’s Gold Standard
60 Minutes first aired in 1968, and more than five decades later, it still stands as one of America’s most trusted news programs. The show’s success lies in its simple formula: smart questions, deep research, and timeless storytelling.
In 2025, under executive producer Bill Owens, 60 Minutes continues to thrive on both television and streaming platforms. Viewers can now access full episodes online, making investigative journalism more accessible to younger audiences.
Scott Pelley plays a key role in this modern era of the show. His reports bridge generations—offering traditional depth for long-time fans while attracting digital audiences who seek credible, thoughtful news coverage.
Because of his credibility, many fans describe Pelley as the “soul” of 60 Minutes.
A Connection That Transcends Television
In an age when trust in media is fragile, Scott Pelley continues to stand out. Viewers consistently rank him among the most trusted journalists in the United States.
His calm tone and respectful manner create a sense of comfort, even when the subject matter is difficult. He never shouts or dramatizes. Instead, he allows facts and human stories to speak for themselves.
Online discussions about his reports show strong public appreciation for his approach. Many viewers say Pelley’s work restores their faith in journalism and reminds them why reliable news still matters.
Author and Educator Beyond the Screen
Scott Pelley’s influence extends beyond television. In 2019, he published “Truth Worth Telling: A Reporter’s Search for Meaning in the Stories of Our Times.” The book explores lessons he learned throughout his career, emphasizing honesty, courage, and curiosity.
It quickly became a bestseller and continues to be used in journalism courses across the country. Through it, Pelley shares how storytelling can shape civic understanding and strengthen democracy.
He also lectures at universities and conferences, encouraging young journalists to value accuracy over speed and empathy over ego. His message remains clear: journalism’s purpose is to serve the public good.
The Legacy of Scott Pelley and 60 Minutes
Scott Pelley’s presence on 60 Minutes represents continuity in a changing world. While many networks chase sensational headlines, Pelley stays grounded in fact-based storytelling. His calm delivery and clear writing make even complex stories easy to follow.
Because of his dedication, 60 Minutes continues to stand apart as a beacon of trustworthy journalism. Its success proves that Americans still value thoughtful, well-researched stories.
Pelley’s colleagues often describe him as the “anchor of integrity.” He sets a tone for professionalism that resonates across CBS and beyond.
Looking Ahead: Scott Pelley’s Ongoing Mission
At 67 years old, Scott Pelley shows no signs of slowing down. His commitment to investigative journalism remains as strong as ever. He continues to report from the field, meet new challenges, and tell stories that bring light to complex issues.
Looking to the future, Pelley aims to expand 60 Minutes coverage on topics that shape the next generation—technology, climate, democracy, and ethics in the digital age.
Despite the constant changes in media, one thing remains clear: Pelley’s voice continues to remind audiences that truth still matters.
A Journalist Who Defines Trust
Scott Pelley’s journey from a Texas newsroom to the global stage of 60 Minutes is proof that integrity never goes out of style. His reporting has helped millions of Americans understand their world with clarity and compassion.
In an era of noise and confusion, his work stands as a reminder that journalism, when done right, can unite rather than divide. Pelley continues to represent the very best of what journalism can be—honest, thoughtful, and deeply human.
Scott Pelley and 60 Minutes continue to remind viewers that truth, compassion, and curiosity never fade. Share your thoughts below on how his reporting has influenced your view of the news.