The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Journalist›Scott Pelley
Entertainment • Journalist

Scott Pelley

Scott Cameron Pelley is an American broadcast journalist and author.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Scott Cameron Pelley is an American broadcast journalist and author. He is best known for his work as a correspondent for CBS News' 60 Minutes and as anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News from 2011 to 2017. He has also reported as CBS News' chief White House correspondent and authored the 2019 book Truth Worth Telling.

Early life and education

Pelley was born in San Antonio, Texas, and began working in journalism as a teenager. He studied journalism at Texas Tech University.

CBS News career

Pelley built a long career at CBS News, including roles as chief White House correspondent, correspondent for 60 Minutes II, and later a longtime 60 Minutes correspondent. CBS News says the 2024–25 season was his 21st on the broadcast.

CBS Evening News

From 2011 to 2017, Pelley served as anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News. CBS News reports that the program added viewers during part of his tenure.

Awards and recognition

CBS News credits Pelley with a record number of Emmy Awards and multiple major journalism honours, including duPont-Columbia Silver Batons and George Foster Peabody Awards.

Authorship

Pelley wrote Truth Worth Telling, published in 2019, which reflects on people and events encountered in his reporting career.

Key facts

  • Scott Pelley is an American broadcast journalist and author known for CBS News' 60 Minutes and CBS Evening News.
  • He began his journalism career at age 15 as a copy boy at the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
  • He served as CBS News' chief White House correspondent from 1997 to 1999.
  • CBS News says he has won a record 51 Emmy Awards, along with multiple Peabody and duPont-Columbia awards.
  • He authored the 2019 book Truth Worth Telling: A Reporter's Search for Meaning in the Stories of Our Times.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Scott Pelley?
Scott Pelley is an American broadcast journalist and author best known for his work with CBS News, especially 60 Minutes and CBS Evening News.
When was Scott Pelley born?
He was born on July 28, 1957, in San Antonio, Texas.
What is Scott Pelley known for?
He is known for reporting on 60 Minutes, anchoring CBS Evening News, and covering major news events and conflicts for CBS News.
What book did Scott Pelley write?
He wrote Truth Worth Telling: A Reporter's Search for Meaning in the Stories of Our Times, published in 2019.
What awards has Scott Pelley won?
CBS News says he has won a record 51 Emmy Awards, four duPont-Columbia Silver Batons, and three George Foster Peabody Awards.

References

  1. CBS News — https://www.cbsnews.com/team/scott-pelley/24/
    Supports: Career summary, 60 Minutes tenure, CBS Evening News role, awards, education, early career, major coverage, family details
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Pelley
    Supports: Birth date, occupation, CBS Evening News dates, chief White House correspondent role, book title
  3. CBS News — https://www.cbsnews.com/news/scott-pelley-bio/
    Supports: Birth date, chief White House correspondent role, 60 Minutes II correspondent role