In a surprising and candid revelation, veteran broadcast journalist Steve Kroft, whose distinguished 30-season career at CBS’s iconic newsmagazine 60 Minutes garnered widespread acclaim and numerous accolades, recently confessed that if given the chance to relive his professional life, he "probably wouldn’t" pursue the same path. Speaking on Bill O’Reilly’s We’ll Do It Live! podcast, Kroft peeled back the curtain on the intense realities of his decades-long tenure, admitting he "hated" the demanding nature of the job, a sentiment that stands in stark contrast to the public perception of one of television’s most respected and successful correspondents. This frank assessment offers a rare glimpse into the often-unseen pressures and personal sacrifices inherent in high-stakes investigative journalism, even at the pinnacle of the profession.
The Relentless Grind of Investigative Journalism at 60 Minutes
Kroft’s reflections shed light on the relentless, all-consuming commitment required by a program like 60 Minutes. He described a lifestyle where the job was "24 hours a day," a constant cycle of travel, reporting, and meticulous production. "I mean, you may get a couple hours of bad sleep. Beepers going off, getting on jets, going here and there, the whole thing, then coming back and spending, you know, three or four days writing the script, and then going to the screenings and then getting on, starting it all over again," Kroft detailed. This description paints a vivid picture of the physical and mental toll exacted by a role that demands perpetual readiness and unwavering focus.
60 Minutes, which first premiered on CBS in 1968, established itself as a groundbreaking force in television journalism. Created by Don Hewitt, it pioneered the newsmagazine format, blending hard-hitting investigative reports with personality profiles and human interest stories. Over its more than five-decade run, it has consistently ranked among the most-watched and most-awarded programs, earning an unprecedented number of Peabody Awards and Emmy Awards. Its influence on public discourse, policy, and even presidential elections is undeniable. For a correspondent, securing a spot on 60 Minutes is often considered the zenith of a broadcasting career, a testament to journalistic prowess and credibility. The program’s reputation for rigorous fact-checking, compelling storytelling, and holding power accountable has set a benchmark for the industry. However, Kroft’s comments reveal the heavy price paid for maintaining such high standards and constant output. The relentless pursuit of truth across continents, often under tight deadlines and intense scrutiny, translates into a life of perpetual motion and little personal downtime, a reality often obscured by the polished final product seen on air.
Navigating the "Snake Pit": Competition and Professional Envy
Beyond the grueling schedule, Kroft also highlighted the cutthroat competitive atmosphere within the industry, particularly when vying for coveted positions at elite news organizations. He recalled his initial excitement upon being "tapped to go to 60 Minutes," a moment he expected would be met with widespread congratulations. Instead, he encountered a less supportive reality. "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. And that’s, it’s just, you know, it’s a snake pit," he candidly remarked.
This "snake pit" characterization speaks to the intense internal rivalries that can permeate high-stakes journalism. Network news, especially at the national level, is a highly competitive field where coveted anchor and correspondent roles are scarce and fiercely sought after. Journalists often spend years building their resumes, reporting from smaller markets or less prominent bureaus, hoping for a chance at the big leagues. When an opening arises at a program as prestigious as 60 Minutes, the competition can become cutthroat, fostering an environment where professional advancement can unfortunately breed envy and resentment among colleagues. This dynamic, while perhaps not unique to journalism, is amplified by the public visibility and perceived influence associated with such roles, adding another layer of psychological pressure to an already demanding profession. Kroft’s experience underscores that reaching the top doesn’t necessarily mean an end to professional friction; in many ways, it can intensify it.
The London Bureau: A Different Kind of Fulfillment
In stark contrast to his experiences at 60 Minutes, Kroft fondly recalled his time as a correspondent in CBS’s London bureau as the "best job" he ever had. "I got to see the world, that was the job I always wanted," he stated. This preference highlights a common theme among journalists: the allure of foreign correspondence, which often offers a broader scope of reporting, immersion in diverse cultures, and a sense of direct global engagement, potentially with less of the intense internal politics characteristic of a flagship domestic program. While foreign correspondents face their own set of challenges, including danger and isolation, the freedom to explore international narratives and witness global events firsthand often provides a unique sense of purpose and adventure. Kroft’s sentiment suggests that for him, the prestige of 60 Minutes came with a trade-off that overshadowed the intrinsic rewards of reporting on a global scale.
The Exhilaration of the Story: A Paradoxical Motivation
Despite his criticisms of the job’s demands and environment, Kroft also acknowledged a powerful counter-narrative: the profound satisfaction derived from the stories themselves. "It was exhilarating in the sense that the reason I loved the job was because of the stories that I could do, and the fact that they liked good stories," he clarified. This statement captures the complex internal conflict of many dedicated journalists: the process may be grueling, but the opportunity to tell important stories, to uncover truths, and to give voice to the voiceless often serves as the ultimate motivator.
60 Minutes provided an unparalleled platform for such storytelling. Its long-form format allowed for in-depth investigations and nuanced narratives that shorter news segments could not accommodate. This commitment to "good stories" — those that were well-researched, impactful, and often shed light on critical issues — was a core tenet of the program and a significant draw for journalists like Kroft. The ability to delve deeply into subjects, from political scandals to human resilience, and to present them to millions of viewers, offered a unique sense of purpose and professional accomplishment that, for Kroft, evidently offset some of the job’s more negative aspects. It’s a testament to the power of impactful journalism that even a "hated" process could lead to such profound professional satisfaction.
A Legacy of Indelible Interviews and Groundbreaking Investigations
Steve Kroft’s career, spanning three decades at 60 Minutes, is undeniably marked by a series of landmark interviews and investigations that shaped public discourse and often made headlines themselves. His meticulous preparation, sharp questioning, and ability to command the respect of powerful figures cemented his status as one of journalism’s greats.
One of his most memorable interviews, arguably a pivotal moment in American political history, was the 1992 joint interview with then-presidential candidate Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton. Conducted in the midst of the Gennifer Flowers scandal, which threatened to derail Clinton’s campaign, the interview aired after the Super Bowl, ensuring a massive audience. Kroft, admitting he was nervous about the "delicate subject matter," recalled the moment Hillary Clinton famously invoked country singer Tammy Wynette, stating, "I’m not sitting here, some little woman standing by my man like Tammy Wynette." This remark, intended to portray Hillary as an independent and strong partner, became an instant cultural touchstone, shaping public perception of the couple and the evolving role of women in politics. Kroft recognized its significance immediately: "When she made the Tammy Wynette remark, I knew we were home free," he previously told The Hollywood Reporter. The interview, which skillfully navigated highly personal and politically charged territory, is often credited with helping the Clintons weather the storm and ultimately secure the presidency.
Kroft also conducted an astonishing 16 interviews with President Barack Obama, more than any other 60 Minutes correspondent. These sit-downs provided crucial insights into presidential decision-making, particularly one conducted shortly after the 2011 assassination of Osama Bin Laden. These interviews offered a direct line from the Oval Office to the American public, often breaking news and shaping narratives around key national and international events. His interview subjects also spanned the cultural landscape, including sit-downs with cinematic legends like Woody Allen and Clint Eastwood, showcasing the breadth of his reporting interests and abilities.
Beyond high-profile interviews, Kroft’s investigative journalism left a significant mark. He led impactful reports, such as an investigation into Saddam Hussein’s hidden financial assets, which shed light on the clandestine networks supporting authoritarian regimes. Another notable piece exposed insider trading in Congress, a report that brought significant public scrutiny to the financial practices of elected officials and contributed to legislative changes aimed at increasing transparency.
However, Kroraft stated that the story that had the greatest personal impact on him was a 2001 report on Sandler O’Neill, a financial firm that tragically lost a third of its employees in the World Trade Center attacks on September 11th. "In the days following the disaster, the surviving partner, Jimmy Dunne, allowed us to follow him and other managers as they planned the funerals, comforted and counseled the families, and against impossible odds, kept the company running during the worst days," Kroft shared. "It survived and is thriving today." This report, focusing on human resilience and recovery in the face of unimaginable tragedy, resonated deeply with Kroft, highlighting the powerful human element often at the core of even the hardest news stories. It underscored journalism’s role not just in reporting facts, but in bearing witness to profound human experiences.
The Perfectionist’s Pursuit of Excellence
Kroft’s commitment to journalistic excellence was evidently coupled with a demanding perfectionism, both of himself and his team. When asked how his producers would describe him, the veteran correspondent offered a candid and telling response: "I think if you asked them during the scripting process the answer would be unprintable. When the story is finished and screened, they would be more complimentary. I’m not easy." This self-assessment reveals the intense rigor and high standards that defined his work. The scripting process for 60 Minutes is notoriously meticulous, involving multiple drafts, extensive fact-checking, and constant refinement to ensure accuracy, clarity, and narrative impact. Kroft’s admission suggests a tenacious pursuit of the perfect story, a drive that could make him a challenging collaborator during the production phase but ultimately delivered a superior product. This perfectionism is a hallmark of top-tier investigative journalism, where every word, every image, and every detail can profoundly influence the story’s credibility and impact. It also speaks to the internal pressures on correspondents to uphold the esteemed reputation of 60 Minutes.
Retirement and Continued Engagement: The Paramount-Trump Settlement
Kroft officially retired from 60 Minutes in 2019 at the age of 73, having served as the program’s longest-tenured correspondent. His departure marked the end of an era for the newsmagazine, which has seen a generational shift in its reporting staff. However, Kroft’s engagement with the media landscape did not end with his retirement. Over the summer, he briefly returned to the spotlight, joining Jon Stewart on The Daily Show to discuss a highly controversial development: Paramount’s $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump. The settlement was reportedly tied to Trump’s complaints about 60 Minutes‘ editing of an interview with then-Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris, his opponent in the 2024 presidential election.
Kroft was unsparing in his assessment of the deal, labeling it a "shakedown." His blunt critique resonated deeply within journalistic circles, where such settlements are often viewed with alarm, raising concerns about corporate influence potentially compromising editorial independence. When asked by Stewart about the mood at 60 Minutes in light of this development, Kroft, likely drawing on ongoing communications with former colleagues, agreed with Stewart’s assessment that the settlement was likely "devastating to the people who work in a place that prides themselves on contextual, good journalism." He elaborated on the pervasive atmosphere of apprehension, stating, "I think there’s a lot of fear over there. Fear of losing their job, fear of what’s happening to the country, fear of losing the First Amendment, all of those things."
This commentary from a highly respected veteran correspondent underscores the profound implications of such corporate decisions on journalistic morale and integrity. Settlements of this nature can create a "chilling effect," potentially leading news organizations to self-censor or avoid certain investigations for fear of costly legal battles or corporate repercussions. Kroft’s concern for the First Amendment speaks to a broader anxiety within the media about the increasing pressures from political figures and corporate interests that could undermine the foundational principles of a free press. His remarks serve as a powerful warning about the precarious state of independent journalism in an increasingly polarized and litigious environment.
Conclusion: A Candid Legacy of Excellence and Enduring Challenges
Steve Kroft’s candid reflections offer a multifaceted legacy: one of immense professional achievement and groundbreaking journalism, tempered by a surprising personal dissatisfaction with the grueling process. His career at 60 Minutes epitomized the highest standards of investigative reporting, producing stories and interviews that shaped national conversations and held powerful figures accountable. From the pivotal Clinton interview to the human resilience observed after 9/11, Kroft’s work consistently demonstrated the power and importance of well-executed journalism.
Yet, his recent revelations serve as a poignant reminder of the unseen burdens carried by those at the pinnacle of their professions. The relentless schedule, the intense competition, and the constant pressure to deliver excellence can exact a heavy personal toll, even for those who are intrinsically motivated by the "exhilarating" pursuit of truth. Kroft’s honesty provides a valuable, if uncomfortable, insight into the realities of a dream job. Furthermore, his post-retirement commentary on the Paramount-Trump settlement highlights his continued commitment to journalistic principles and his concern for the future of independent news. His insights reinforce the idea that while the allure of impactful storytelling remains a powerful draw, the challenges facing journalists—both internal and external—are more complex and pressing than ever. His legacy is not just in the stories he told, but in the candid truth he shared about the cost of telling them.
