Scott Pelley, longtime CBS News anchor and 60 Minutes correspondent, delivered a commencement address at Wake Forest University that drew sharp criticism for its tone, content, and delivery. The speech, which aimed to deliver a dire warning about the current state of journalism, free speech, and American democracy, fell flat with many in attendance and sparked backlash across media and political circles.
Pelley’s remarks — which included sweeping claims about fear, power, and the collapse of civic freedoms — were seen by critics as overwrought, partisan, and lacking in both nuance and self-awareness. The speech was lightly received by the audience, with only sporadic applause, and seemed disconnected from the celebratory spirit of a college graduation.
Critics, including conservative commentators like Megyn Kelly and Breitbart’s John Nolte, pointed to Pelley’s speech as emblematic of why legacy media figures are losing credibility, especially among younger generations. They argue that Pelley’s message was less a call to unity and more a performative alarm bell from a declining institution clinging to relevance.
Amid ongoing turmoil at CBS News — including lawsuits, internal upheaval, and a pending corporate merger — Pelley’s speech came off not just as a political statement but as an ill-timed reminder of the disconnect between elite media voices and the audiences they once influenced.
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