Guy Campanile, the former managing editor of 60 Minutes who was fired in May along with several other top correspondents, has broken his silence, saying he and his colleagues were dismissed because they “would not compromise our principles or reputations by jamming unverifiable notions or White House talking points into our reporting.”
Campanile, who spent 34 years at CBS News, made the remarks in a private Facebook post obtained by the Guardian on Tuesday. He explained that he had initially held back from commenting, deciding it was “wise to remain quiet when emotions are raw.” However, “after some time and deep reflection, I am now comfortable and prepared to talk about it,” he wrote.
Fired Staffers Refused to Be Accomplices
Campanile named himself, Tanya Simon, Draggan Mihailovich, Matthew Polevoy, Scott Pelley, Sharyn Alfonsi, and Cecilia Vega as those who “refused to be accomplices in the destruction of the most prestigious news program on American television.” The firings came as part of an overhaul of the show under new CBS News management.
In his post, Campanile detailed the pressures the team resisted: “We objected when told to conduct interviews arranged by the administration. We insisted on asking the most challenging questions to business and political leaders without fear or favor. We did what reporters worth their salt do – we questioned authority … including our own bosses. That’s how the best newsrooms work.”
He continued: “To be clear: we were told to leave because we insisted on doing our jobs. What has happened recently at 60 Minutes – where I believe editorial independence has become a casualty of corporate priorities and ideological intrusion – was tragic. But it was part of an inevitable progression in the cascade of afflictions that have devalued our most trusted sources of news.”
Criticism of Modern Journalism and CBS Leadership
Campanile lamented the state of modern journalism, arguing that “information has become commoditized in the attention economy” and that “facts are increasingly treated as items in a buffet, chosen depending on specific appetite and ideological tastes.” He wrote that television journalism is “largely an exercise in presentation rather than examination,” criticizing a focus on weather over policy, hype over substance, and anchors “blessed with exceptional haircuts” but shallow experience.
He also targeted the rise of “self-described influencers and online opinionists who market themselves as ‘journalists,’” some of whom “have been given control of our most precious reporting institutions – including CBS News.” He argued that many of these newsroom managers “have never been exposed to the depths of poverty, the ravages of war or the heartbreak of disaster,” yet make “critical programming decisions based on what might trend on-line over the next few hours.”
The post comes amid ongoing fallout from the appointment of Bari Weiss, a former opinion writer, as CBS News editor-in-chief. Her appointment has sparked backlash from network staffers concerned about her impartiality. Scott Pelley, another longtime journalist fired for “cause,” reportedly told Weiss in a meeting, “She’s murdering 60 Minutes. She does not love this place. She was brought in to kill it and is doing exactly that.”
Campanile’s Farewell and Warning
Campanile closed his post with a reflection on his career and a warning to former colleagues. He wrote: “I spent two-thirds of my life at CBS. It was an amazing adventure. I saw a good part of the country and much of the world. I witnessed history, met extraordinary people, told great stories, made lifelong friends and was able to provide for my family. I left the offices on 57th Street with my head held high and integrity intact.”
He added: “I am excited about the opportunities ahead. In the meantime, I cannot remain silent as trust built over decades by my colleagues and mentors is wrecked. The audience deserves so much better.” Quoting Thomas Jefferson, he wrote: “‘Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.’ It’s dangerous to ignore his warning.”
His final words to those still at CBS: “hold the line. Don’t give an inch because they will keep scraping away until there’s nothing left worth a damn.” The Guardian has contacted Campanile and CBS for comment.
