Scott Pelley signs off of CBS Evening News with heartfelt message
Speaking at the end of his show, here is what Pelley had to say in full:
“This is my last broadcast … We hope that it has been something of a lighthouse for you to help you with your bearings in a stormy world. To the men and women of CBS News, my profound gratitude. Your nights away from your families, your twelve-hour days, the times you risked your lives to bring light into the world leave me humbled. Our audience can and should take your work for granted, but I know the measure of your sacrifice. James Madison once wrote that ‘Freedom of the Press is the right that guarantees all of the others.’ Stakes are that high, and you are the best that we have.
“Monday, Anthony Mason will be here backed by the same team that has carried me the past six years. The broadcast will have never been better, and I’ll be at 60 Minutes. So for all of us at CBS News all around the world, goodbye and good luck.”
This is almost precisely what you would expect for a man with this level of dignity and class: A statement that pays tribute primarily to the people he worked with more so than himself, while also asserting the importance of Freedom of the Press at a time in which it is under attack. While this wasn’t overtly political, there was a subtle air to it. He expressed his gratitude, and reminded viewers that even though he’s no longer going to be the anchor of the Evening News, he is not leaving the network and his reporting will be available on 60 Minutes.
Being a nightly news anchor is no easy job, and we give Pelley credit for holding down the fort at a time when so many people are looking elsewhere for his reporting. He was nonetheless uncompromising, and didn’t try to change his style just because we live in an age of more “analysts” than actual reporters anchoring some of these programs. Hats off to him for all of his work.
Have a take on Pelley’s final show and his lasting message? Share now in the comments. (Photo: CBS.)