Columbia University Welcomes Scott Pelley and Sharyn Alfonsi as Journalists-in-residence

WHO:

Deadline - Scott Pelley and Sharyn Alfonsi, former correspondents of "60 Minutes"

Variety - Scott Pelley and Sharyn Alfonsi, journalists-in-residence at Columbia University

WHAT:

Fox News - Pelley stated, "This is a critical time for a free press. Columbia is leading the way in training the next generation of great journalists, and I am honored to join Sharyn in that vital cause."

Fox News - Alfonsi's contract was not renewed by CBS News months after she criticized Bari Weiss for delaying a segment about allegations of abuses at the El Salvador prison CECOT.

Deadline - Pelley and Alfonsi will work with students through lectures, workshops, and special events.

Variety - Pelley and Alfonsi were named journalists-in-residence at Columbia University’s School of Journalism.

WHERE:

Deadline - Columbia University

Variety - Columbia University’s School of Journalism

WHEN:

Variety - The journalist-in-residence positions will be in place for the 2026-2027 academic term.

WHY:

Fox News - Alfonsi claimed that her segment was being held for political reasons, stating that Weiss had "spiked" the story and not given her a chance to discuss it further.

HOW:

Deadline - Pelley and Alfonsi will contribute a piece to the Columbia Journalism.

(UPDATED August 3, 2026 18:42 UTC)

In a recent statement on Fox News, Pelley emphasized the importance of a free press, noting Columbia's role in training future journalists and expressing his honor in joining Sharyn for this important mission. Meanwhile, Alfonsi's contract with CBS News was not renewed after she publicly criticized Bari Weiss for delaying a segment on allegations of abuses at the El Salvador prison CECOT. Alfonsi asserted that her story was being held for political reasons, claiming that Weiss had "spiked" the segment and prevented her from discussing it further.

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(UPDATED August 3, 2026 16:27 UTC)

Scott Pelley and Sharyn Alfonsi have been named journalists-in-residence at Columbia University’s School of Journalism, where they will engage with students through lectures, workshops, and special events. Their positions will be active during the 2026-2027 academic term, allowing them to share their extensive experience in journalism. Additionally, Pelley and Alfonsi are set to contribute a piece to the Columbia Journalism publication as part of their residency.