Steve Kroft Reflects on His Time at "60 Minutes"

Steve Kroft, a prominent correspondent for CBS's "60 Minutes," recently shared his candid reflections on his lengthy career with the news program during an appearance on Bill O'Reilly's podcast, "We’ll Do It Live!" Kroft, who joined "60 Minutes" in 1989 and retired in 2019, holds the distinction of being the show's longest-tenured correspondent, with a career spanning three decades. His notable interviews include high-profile figures such as Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama, the latter of whom he interviewed 11 times.

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Kroft described the intense demands of working on "60 Minutes," stating that the job required a relentless commitment, often consuming 24 hours a day. He recounted the challenges of travel, tight deadlines, and the pressure to produce compelling stories. Despite the exhilarating nature of the work, which he attributed to the exposure his stories received, Kroft expressed a sense of dissatisfaction with the environment at CBS. He noted that the competitive atmosphere fostered jealousy among colleagues, leading to a "snake pit" dynamic within the newsroom.

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While Kroft acknowledged the appeal of "60 Minutes" due to its focus on quality storytelling, he also revealed his discontent with the overall experience. He remarked, “I hated my time on the CBS news show,” highlighting the emotional toll of the job. Kroft's reflections indicate a complex relationship with the program that shaped his career, characterized by both professional triumphs and personal challenges.

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Kroft's investigative work has had significant implications, including a notable story on insider trading in the U.S. Congress that contributed to major reforms. His tenure at "60 Minutes" not only solidified his reputation as a leading journalist but also left a lasting impact on the field of investigative reporting.

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Despite his accomplishments, Kroft's candid remarks about his time at "60 Minutes" may resonate with critics who argue that the high-pressure environment of major news organizations can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction among journalists. His experiences reflect broader concerns regarding the mental health and well-being of professionals in the fast-paced media landscape.

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• “ podcast that he “hated” his time on the CBS news show.” — Steve Kroft, Former Correspondent, "60 Minutes."

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• “And then you realize after a while that not everybody was happy that I got this job. There were other people that wanted it. And so then you’ve all of a sudden made a bunch of enemies… It’s a snake pit.” — Steve Kroft

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Kroft's reflections provide a nuanced perspective on the challenges faced by journalists in high-stakes environments, underscoring the complexities of a career in investigative journalism.

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