Fox News host Laura Ingraham has sharply criticized CBS journalist Scott Pelley, characterizing him as a “tool” and expressing disdain for what she perceives as the diminishing relevance of “old media giants” like CBS. This rebuke took place during Tuesday night’s episode of The Ingraham Angle, where Ingraham aired a clip of Pelley delivering a commencement address at Wake Forest University in May.
In his speech, Pelley discussed the challenges facing journalism and warned that “journalism is under attack,” alongside universities and freedom of speech. Though he did not directly mention former President Donald Trump, his comments follow significant controversies, including the recent resignation of the executive producer of 60 Minutes amidst ongoing legal disputes involving CBS’ parent company, Paramount Global, and Trump.
Ingraham recounted her earlier interactions with Pelley during the 1990s at CBS News, recalling his departure from CBS Evening News in 2017, which she attributed to his poor ratings and personality. She claimed that instead of acknowledging his shortcomings, Pelley blamed a “hostile work environment.” Ingraham continued her critique, labeling Pelley as a “whiny liberal” and asserting that he has played a role in the decline of journalistic credibility.
She further condemned major media outlets such as CBS, NBC, and ABC for their perceived decline and self-sabotage, accusing them of underestimating the public’s ability to perceive biased reporting. Ingraham argued that the rise of alternative media, including Fox News, podcasts, and YouTube channels, has rendered the legacy media’s influence obsolete. She claimed, “Scott’s old world has fallen away,” suggesting that Pelley’s critiques of current media conditions are misguided.
In addition to his comments about media attacks, Pelley highlighted the potential dangers posed by obscuring the truth, exemplified by the arrest of a college student who supported Palestinian rights, which he described as part of a broader campaign against truth-seekers.
This exchange between Ingraham and Pelley underscores the ongoing tensions between traditional media and newer platforms, reflecting divergent perspectives on journalism’s role in society today. With evolving media landscapes, there remains hope for the potential revitalization of journalistic integrity and public trust as new voices emerge in the conversation.