• Faith: Christian
• Career: Journalist
• Birthday:  July 28, 1957

Scott Pelley has spent more than four decades building a reputation as one of the most respected and recognizable figures in American broadcast journalism. Known for his calm delivery, sharp reporting, and commitment to investigative storytelling, Pelley became a defining face of CBS News through his work on programs like 60 Minutes and CBS Evening News. His long career included coverage of wars, presidential administrations, natural disasters, and some of the biggest breaking news stories of the modern era before his high-profile departure from CBS in June 2026.

Born July 28, 1957, in San Antonio, Texas, Pelley grew up in nearby Lubbock. He developed an early interest in journalism and began working for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal while still a teenager. After graduating from Coronado High School, he attended Texas Tech University, although he left before earning a degree in order to pursue full-time reporting opportunities.

Pelley’s professional career began in local television news in Texas during the late 1970s. He worked as a reporter and anchor for stations in Lubbock, Dallas, and Houston, quickly earning recognition for his steady on-air presence and strong field reporting. His work eventually caught the attention of CBS News, which hired him in 1989.

At CBS, Pelley became one of the network’s leading correspondents. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, he covered major world events, including the Gulf War, the Oklahoma City bombing, the September 11 terrorist attacks, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. His reporting style focused more on facts and in-depth storytelling than opinion, helping him build credibility with viewers across political and cultural lines.

In 2004, Pelley joined 60 Minutes as a correspondent, a role that elevated him to another level inside broadcast journalism. His interviews and investigative pieces became central to the iconic news magazine program. He was known for challenging interviews with political leaders, corporate executives, and military officials while also delivering emotional human-interest stories.

Seven years later, Pelley became anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News, succeeding Katie Couric in 2011. Under his leadership, the broadcast saw ratings growth and a renewed emphasis on hard news reporting. Critics often praised Pelley for maintaining a traditional journalistic tone during an increasingly polarized media landscape.

Pelley returned full-time to 60 Minutes in 2017 after leaving the anchor chair. He continued reporting major stories and became one of the most trusted veterans inside CBS News.

That long relationship with the network came to a dramatic end in June 2026. Pelley was fired from CBS following a public clash with network leadership during a tense staff meeting surrounding major editorial and management changes at 60 Minutes. Reports indicated Pelley strongly criticized the direction of the program and accused executives of compromising journalistic integrity. His dismissal became one of the most talked-about media stories of the year and sparked significant debate inside journalism circles about editorial independence and corporate influence in newsrooms.

Away from television, Pelley has maintained a relatively private personal life. He married his wife, Jane Boone Pelley, in 1983. The couple has two children together. Despite his high-profile career, Pelley has consistently kept his family out of the public spotlight, choosing instead to focus attention on his reporting work.

Scott Pelley's Religious Beliefs

Faith has also quietly played a role in his life. Pelley is known to be a practicing Christian with Methodist roots. He has attended Preston Hollow United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, where his children were baptized. While he rarely discusses religion publicly during interviews or broadcasts, those familiar with him inside journalism circles have noted the importance of faith and personal integrity in his life. Religious media outlets have also highlighted his respect for spiritual leaders such as Pope Francis and his reputation for approaching stories with moral seriousness and compassion.