Despite an acclaimed 30-season tenure as a correspondent for CBS’s venerable newsmagazine 60 Minutes, from which he retired in 2019, veteran journalist Steve Kroft recently revealed a surprising ambivalence towards his distinguished career, admitting that if given the chance to relive it, he "probably wouldn’t." This candid confession emerged during an appearance on Bill O’Reilly’s We’ll Do It Live! podcast, where Kroft delved into the demanding realities of a job he paradoxically described as one he "hated," even while acknowledging its "exhilarating" aspects. His reflections offer a rare glimpse into the intense pressures, fierce competition, and profound personal sacrifices inherent in high-profile investigative journalism at one of the world’s most respected news outlets.
The Unyielding Demands of the 60 Minutes Grind
Kroft’s tenure at 60 Minutes solidified his reputation as one of the most incisive and respected journalists of his generation. Yet, behind the polished segments and groundbreaking investigations lay a relentless professional existence. He articulated a life defined by an almost ceaseless cycle of work, far removed from the public perception of glamorous globe-trotting. "The job is just 24 hours a day," Kroft stated, describing a routine punctuated by minimal, often interrupted, 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." This portrayal paints a stark picture of the physical and mental toll exacted by the pursuit of timely, impactful stories for a weekly broadcast.
The role demanded an unparalleled commitment, often requiring correspondents to be on standby for immediate deployment to any corner of the globe where a significant story was breaking. The pressure to consistently deliver high-quality, deeply reported segments within tight deadlines, coupled with the constant travel and the need for meticulous fact-checking and scripting, created an environment that, while professionally rewarding, was personally draining. Kroft’s remarks underscore that the prestige of the 60 Minutes brand came with an extraordinary price in terms of personal life and well-being.
Navigating the "Snake Pit": Internal Competition and Envy
Beyond the sheer workload, Kroft also unveiled the cutthroat internal dynamics of securing and maintaining a coveted position at 60 Minutes. He recounted his initial surprise at the lack of universal congratulation when he was selected for the role, perceiving instead an undercurrent of resentment. "I can remember when I was tapped to go to 60 Minutes, I thought this was fantastic and I expected a lot of people would just come up and say, ‘That’s really great, I’m really happy for you,’" he recalled. "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."
This candid description highlights the intense competition for roles at the pinnacle of broadcast journalism. 60 Minutes, founded in 1968, has long been considered a journalistic institution, a dream destination for many aspiring reporters. Its limited correspondent slots meant that securing a position was not just a professional achievement but a triumph in a highly competitive field. Kroft’s experience reveals the less glamorous side of such career milestones, where professional advancement can breed envy and create internal divisions, adding another layer of stress to an already demanding profession. He contrasted this challenging atmosphere with his time as a correspondent in CBS’s London bureau, a period he described as the "best job" he ever had at CBS, largely because it allowed him to "see the world" without the same internal political pressures.
The Paradox of Passion: "Exhilarating" Stories Amidst the "Hate"
Despite his strong words regarding the job’s demanding nature and competitive environment, Kroft quickly qualified his sentiment, revealing a deep-seated passion for the journalistic craft itself. He clarified that the "exhilaration" he experienced was intrinsically linked to the stories he was able to tell and the profound impact they could have. "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 explained. This distinction is crucial; it underscores that his dissatisfaction stemmed from the operational grind and interpersonal dynamics, not from the core mission of investigative reporting.
Kroft’s career was a testament to this dedication to compelling narratives. He became 60 Minutes‘ longest-tenured correspondent, a distinction earned over three decades of rigorous reporting. His body of work includes some of the most memorable and impactful interviews and investigations in the program’s storied history, cementing his legacy as a journalist who consistently sought out and delivered stories of national and international significance.
A Legacy of Indelible Interviews and Groundbreaking Investigations
Steve Kroft’s career at 60 Minutes was marked by a series of high-profile interviews and investigations that not only defined his own professional trajectory but also significantly shaped public discourse. His ability to elicit revealing responses from powerful figures and to bring complex issues into sharp focus became a hallmark of his reporting.
The Pivotal Clinton Interview (1992): One of Kroft’s most iconic moments came in 1992, during the heated presidential campaign. He conducted a joint interview with then-candidate Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton, which aired just after the Super Bowl. The interview addressed the swirling allegations of Bill Clinton’s affair with Gennifer Flowers, a scandal that threatened to derail his presidential bid. It was during this sit-down that Hillary Clinton famously invoked country singer Tammy Wynette, stating, "I’m not sitting here like some little woman standing by my man like Tammy Wynette." This remark, delivered with an air of defiance and solidarity, became an instant cultural touchstone and a defining moment of the campaign, widely credited with helping to stabilize Clinton’s public image.
Kroft, who admitted to being nervous about the "delicate subject matter," recognized the interview’s significance as it unfolded. He previously recalled to The Hollywood Reporter, "It began awkwardly because of the delicate subject matter, but as Hillary got more involved and joined in the conversation, I knew we had a good story. When she made the Tammy Wynette remark, I knew we were home free." This interview showcased Kroft’s skill in navigating sensitive political terrain and securing candid moments that resonated deeply with the public.
Interviews with President Barack Obama: Kroft conducted an unprecedented 16 interviews with Barack Obama, beginning during his presidential campaign and continuing throughout his two terms. These sit-downs provided crucial insights into Obama’s presidency, offering a rare window into the challenges and triumphs of his administration. Notably, Kroft conducted the first television interview with Obama after the 2011 assassination of Osama Bin Laden, a historic moment that captured the immediate aftermath of a monumental counter-terrorism operation and provided the world with the first detailed account from the commander-in-chief. These interviews underscored Kroft’s trusted position within the highest echelons of power and his ability to engage presidents on critical issues of national security and policy.
Other Notable Figures: Beyond the political arena, Kroft’s interviewing prowess extended to a wide array of cultural and industry giants. He sat down with legendary director Woody Allen, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of the often-private filmmaker. His interview with Clint Eastwood explored the enduring career and creative process of the iconic actor and director. These conversations demonstrated Kroft’s versatility and his capacity to draw out compelling narratives from diverse personalities.
Investigative Journalism of Global Impact: Kroft’s contributions were not limited to high-profile interviews; he also led significant investigative reports that exposed corruption, revealed hidden truths, and brought accountability to powerful institutions. He conducted a groundbreaking investigation into Saddam Hussein’s hidden financial assets, shedding light on the Iraqi dictator’s vast, illicit wealth and its global implications. Another significant report delved into insider trading in Congress, a politically sensitive topic that exposed ethical lapses among lawmakers and fueled public debate about financial transparency in government.
The Profound Human Impact of Sandler O’Neill (2001): Among all his stories, Kroft identified a 2001 report on the financial firm Sandler O’Neill as having the greatest personal impact on him. The firm tragically lost a third of its employees, 67 individuals, in the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001. Kroft’s report chronicled the firm’s extraordinary struggle for survival and its partners’ compassionate efforts to support the victims’ families amidst unimaginable grief.
"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 recounted. "It survived and is thriving today." This story, steeped in human tragedy and resilience, deeply resonated with Kroft, highlighting the profound human dimension of journalism and the privilege of bearing witness to moments of both immense suffering and indomitable spirit. It serves as a powerful reminder that beyond the headlines and political intrigue, journalism’s most enduring power often lies in its ability to tell deeply human stories.
The Perfectionist Behind the Camera: A Producer’s Perspective
Kroft’s dedication to his craft was matched by a rigorous pursuit of perfection, a trait he openly acknowledged could make him a challenging collaborator. When asked how his producers would describe him, the veteran correspondent offered a frank assessment: "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 a journalist intensely focused on the final product, willing to push boundaries and demand excellence in every detail of the storytelling process. The "scripting process" is often the most painstaking phase of documentary-style journalism, involving meticulous word choice, structural integrity, and the delicate balance of narrative flow with factual accuracy. Kroft’s admission underscores his commitment to journalistic integrity and the high standards he maintained for himself and his team, even if it meant intense creative friction during production. This perfectionism was undoubtedly a key factor in the consistent quality and impact of his 60 Minutes reports.
A Return to the Spotlight: The Trump/Harris Settlement Controversy
In the summer following his retirement, Steve Kroft briefly re-entered the public discourse, offering his sharp commentary on a controversial development involving his former employer. He joined Jon Stewart on The Daily Show to discuss Paramount’s $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump. The settlement was tied to a dispute over 60 Minutes‘ editing of an interview with Trump’s 2024 presidential election opponent, then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump had alleged that the interview was unfairly edited or that 60 Minutes had breached a contractual agreement regarding its broadcast.
Kroft was unequivocal in his assessment of the deal, labeling it a "shakedown." This strong language from a highly respected, long-time CBS correspondent sent ripples through the media landscape, challenging the network’s decision and raising questions about its implications for journalistic independence. The settlement, which saw a major media conglomerate pay a significant sum to a prominent political figure over content disputes, sparked widespread debate about the increasing pressures on news organizations and the potential for such actions to be perceived as attempts to silence or influence reporting.
When asked about the mood at 60 Minutes in light of this controversial settlement, Kroft, likely drawing on his ongoing communications with past colleagues, agreed with Stewart’s assessment that the situation was "devastating to the people who work in a place that prides themselves on contextual, good journalism." He elaborated on the climate of apprehension within the organization, 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 observation from a former insider highlights the broader implications of such settlements for journalistic morale and integrity. For journalists dedicated to factual reporting and holding power accountable, a settlement of this nature, regardless of its legal merits, can be deeply demoralizing. It raises concerns about the potential for future political pressure to influence editorial decisions and compromise the independence that 60 Minutes has long championed. Kroft’s remarks underscore a palpable anxiety within the news industry about the erosion of journalistic freedoms, the financial vulnerabilities of news organizations, and the increasingly polarized political environment in which they operate. His concerns about the First Amendment reflect a deeper apprehension about the future of a free and unencumbered press in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Legacy and the Enduring Challenges of Journalism
Steve Kroft’s candid reflections offer a multifaceted portrait of a journalism titan: a man who achieved unparalleled professional success and delivered impactful stories, yet grappled with the relentless demands and internal machinations of his chosen profession. His career at 60 Minutes spanned a transformative period in media and global affairs, from the Cold War’s end to the digital age, from the Clinton controversies to the War on Terror and beyond. Through it all, Kroft remained a steadfast presence, embodying the program’s commitment to in-depth reporting.
His admission of "hating" the job, while loving the stories, reveals a fundamental tension at the heart of high-stakes journalism: the paradox of pursuing a public good through a personally arduous and often thankless daily grind. It’s a testament to the power of impactful storytelling that he persevered for three decades, driven by the intellectual challenge and the profound privilege of informing the public.
Kroft’s post-retirement commentary on the Trump settlement further burnishes his image as an unwavering advocate for journalistic integrity. His willingness to speak truth to power, even when that power is wielded by his former employer or prominent political figures, reaffirms the core values that defined his extensive career. His concerns about "fear" within newsrooms and the potential erosion of the First Amendment are not merely the anxieties of a retired journalist but a stark warning from someone who has intimately experienced the triumphs and tribulations of the profession.
Ultimately, Steve Kroft’s legacy is not just defined by the countless awards or the famous interviews, but by his candid honesty about the sacrifices required to operate at the pinnacle of broadcast journalism. His reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of rigorous, independent reporting, and the often-unseen struggles faced by those who dedicate their lives to its pursuit in an increasingly complex and challenging world.
