Steve Kroft rips ’60 Minutes’ as cutthroat, toxic workplace: ‘I hated it’

A Former “60 Minutes” Correspondent Reveals the Dark Side of the Famed Show

A veteran journalist from “60 Minutes” has spoken out about the toxic environment at the renowned CBS program, referring to it as a “snake pit” with no civility.

Steve Kroft, who spent three decades as a correspondent on “60 Minutes,” recently shared on a podcast with Bill O’Reilly that he would not choose to work there again if given the chance, as he “hated it.”

Describing the prestigious newsmagazine as a brutal grind and psychological battlefield, the 80-year-old former correspondent opened up about the relentless nature of the job that left him feeling worn down over time.

Kroft highlighted the non-stop nature of the job, with constant travel, writing, editing, and screenings that seemed to have no end. The job demanded his attention 24 hours a day, leaving little time for rest.

Despite the prestige associated with working at “60 Minutes,” Kroft revealed that the culture inside the newsroom was far from ideal. He recalled a warning from Dan Rather about the cutthroat environment at the show, describing it as a place filled with “big cats” ready to pounce on their colleagues.

He noted the absence of civility in the workplace, where suspicion and competition ran rampant. Kroft emphasized that even acts of kindness were often met with skepticism, creating a hostile atmosphere among colleagues.

Reflecting on his career, Kroft shared insights into some of the most memorable moments, including a consequential interview with Bill and Hillary Clinton during the 1992 campaign. He recounted the challenges of securing the interview and the backlash he faced for asking tough questions.

Kroft’s departure from the show in 2019 marked the end of his tenure at “60 Minutes.” The recent announcement of an overhaul at CBS News, led by editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, signals a shift in the show’s editorial direction.

The changes have sparked internal conflicts within the newsroom, with planned layoffs and uncertainty surrounding the future of the show’s talent. As CBS News looks to revamp “60 Minutes” to appeal to a younger audience, the industry braces for a new era of investigative journalism.

The Post has reached out to CBS News and the Clintons for comment on the developments.