Ousted 60-Minutes Correspondents Get New Gigs

Alfonsi and Pelley

Former “60 Minutes” correspondents Scott Pelley and Sharyn Alfonsi have been named Journalists in Residence at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism for the 2026–27 academic year. 

Columbia Journalism School announced the appointments Monday as part of its CJS2030: Democracy Initiative. In their roles, Pelley and Alfonsi will work closely with students—both individually and in groups—through lectures, workshops, and special events focused on sharpening reporting, investigative, and sourcing skills. 

Each will also contribute an essay to the Columbia Journalism Review. Dean Jelani Cobb welcomed the pair, saying: “We’re both excited and honored to welcome two journalists of this caliber to our Journalist in Residence Program. 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.” 

Alfonsi called the appointment “an extraordinary privilege, especially at a time when deep, rigorous and fearless reporting has never been more vital. I’m excited to work with the next generation of journalists who are eager to ask the tough questions that hold power accountable.” Pelley added: “This is a critical time for a free press.  Columbia is leading the way in training the next generation of great journalists and I am honored to join Sharyn in that vital cause.” 

The appointments mark the first major public roles for both journalists since their departures from CBS News’ flagship newsmagazine amid a sweeping overhaul under Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss. Alfonsi’s contract was not renewed in May following tensions over a story; Pelley was fired in early June after publicly criticizing the show’s new leadership during a staff meeting.