CBS and ABC Face Legal and Internal Challenges

CBS News has made headlines by terminating Scott Pelley, a longstanding correspondent for ’60 Minutes’. Pelley was let go after he voiced strong criticisms against Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss. Pelley accused Weiss of ‘murdering’ the show and criticized the qualifications of Nick Bilton, the newly appointed executive producer.

In a related development, former ABC News field producer Samira Said has filed a lawsuit against several parties, including CBS News correspondent Matt Gutman, ABC News, The Walt Disney Co., and an ABC bureau chief. The lawsuit alleges that Gutman made inappropriate workplace comments of a sexual nature. Said claims she was later terminated by ABC after experiencing medical issues linked to trauma from covering the Uvalde school shooting.

The complaint describes an incident where Gutman allegedly rated a female correspondent’s appearance with a male team and attempted to involve Said. She declined, finding the conversation inappropriate. A second incident involved Gutman making an insinuation about Said’s personal life in front of colleagues, reducing her professional opinion to a stereotype.

The lawsuit further accuses ABC and Disney of discrimination, retaliation, and failure to accommodate Said’s medical conditions. Said alleges that, despite being cleared to return to work with accommodations, she faced resistance from then-bureau chief David Herndon. Eventually, she was reassigned to less favorable positions and was ultimately terminated in March 2025. Said now seeks damages and a jury trial.

Gutman, who joined CBS in January, brought an extensive background from ABC to his new role. CBS has been supportive of his transition, with Weiss citing Gutman’s fearless and energetic reporting as key attributes. CBS appointed him to significant roles, including contributions to ’60 Minutes’ and leadership in ’48 Hours’.

Requests for comments from Disney and CBS regarding the lawsuit are pending. In the backdrop of these developments, CBS and ABC continue to navigate the challenges within the media industry.