UPDATED: The SAG-AFTRA union called the firing of Scott Pelley and other correspondents "shocking," describing it as "a continued assault by management on the foundations of CBS News.".
«"Like all workers, journalists have the right under federal law to speak out on behalf of their colleagues on issues related to working conditions without fear of employer retaliation or retaliation," the guild stated. "SAG-AFTRA stands ready to take and support any legal action related to the company's conduct over the past several weeks.".
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Pelley was fired after a verbal altercation with the program's new executive producer. «60 Minutes» By Nick Bilton.
The SAG-AFTRA statement continued: "Following the company's decision to close CBS News Radio and lay off employees across multiple platforms in March, the decisions 60 Minutes can only be seen as part of a broader strategy to destroy the vital independent journalism that is so vital to our democratic system.".
«"The dedicated journalists who work at CBS deserve the respect and trust of management, who trust them to do their jobs without interference from forces and interests that have nothing to do with the editorial process.".
Earlier, Tom Fontana, president of the Writers Guild of America's Eastern Division, expressed his opinion, saying the firings demonstrate "a deep contempt at the top for the journalism profession.".
Fontana wrote in a letter to union members: "Last year, CBS carried out brutal and unnecessary layoffs across the organization and shut down CBS News Radio. Furthermore, based on a number of public reports and confidential reports from WGAE members, it is clear that CBS management is engaging in near-constant interference in editorial policy, something that would have previously been unthinkable.".
Referring to Pelley's firing, Fontana wrote that "CBS management appears too sensitive to withstand honest criticism from its own journalists.".
«"These attacks on CBS News, an institution of American journalism that has existed for nearly a century, are more than just an ideological intervention in the news industry," Fontana wrote. "They demonstrate a profound contempt for the journalism profession, for our members who have dedicated their lives to informing the public about the world, and for the ethics that underpin true journalism—most importantly, honesty, and objectivity.".
SAG-AFTRA and WGAE represent on-air staff and contributors at CBS News. WGAE has previously criticized staff cuts, the closure of CBS News Radio, and the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's late-night show, among other recent actions by the network.
«"To our friends and colleagues at CBS News: We see you, and you are not alone. Thousands of your brothers, sisters, and fellow union members stand with you. We stand with you now, we will stand with you when this difficult time in American life passes, and we will help you build what comes next," Fontana wrote.
A CBS News spokesperson stated in a statement: "There is no political interference at CBS News, neither from the owners nor from Bari Weiss. The only 'interference' is the normal dialogue between editor and reporter that occurs in every newsroom.".
Pelley was fired Tuesday night, ending a 37-year career at the network that included a long stint as a correspondent for the program «60 Minutes» and work as a presenter CBS Evening News. Last week, CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss fired the program's executive producer. «60 Minutes» Tanya Simon was replaced by technology journalist Nick Bilton. The program's other lead producers, as well as correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, were also fired.
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