Scott Pelley Warns Against Government Fear in Journalism

NEW YORK, NY — CBS News correspondent Scott Pelley expressed his concerns about a climate of fear shaping journalism in the United States. In an exclusive interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper after a Saturday telecast, Pelley emphasized the importance of speaking out against government retaliation.

“People are silencing themselves for fear that the government will retaliate against them, and that’s not the America that we all love,” Pelley stated. His comments came following a performance of a Broadway play highlighting the historical broadcasts of Edward R. Murrow during the McCarthy era.

Pelley drew parallels between past and present, stating that the themes of fear and courage resonate in both eras. He stressed the necessity of having the courage to speak out, declaring, “If you have the courage to speak, we are saved. If you fall silent, the country is doomed.”

During their conversation, Cooper asked Pelley whether he still believes in the value of journalism. “It is the only thing that’s gonna save the country,” Pelley replied. “You cannot have democracy without journalism. It can’t be done.”

The discussion also turned to President Donald Trump‘s pressure on CBS News after filing a lawsuit over a “60 Minutes” interview from last fall. The network’s journalists have faced hurdles as they navigate the allegations of election interference.

Pelley noted that settling the lawsuit could damage CBS’s reputation. “Many of the law firms that made deals with the White House are at this very moment regretting it,” he said.

Moreover, Pelley discussed concerns regarding the internal dynamics at CBS, sharing that he would prefer more public support from the network. However, he praised their coverage of the Trump administration, stating that all his segments still air.

Pelley also recalled a speech he delivered at Wake Forest University where he criticized attacks on universities and journalism. He posited that those in power could manipulate histories, declaring, “With grotesque, false narratives, they can make heroes criminals and criminals heroes.”

He concluded the interview by reiterating the importance of freedom of speech. “If the government begins to punish our citizens because of what they have to say, then our country’s gone terribly wrong,” he remarked.