Katie Couric calls out former ’60 Minutes’ boss, says she was ‘gaslit’
Katie Couric calls out former '60 Minutes' boss, says she was 'gaslit'
Katie Couric calls out former 60 Minutes - Katie Couric, a veteran journalist and founder of Katie Couric Media, has opened up about her challenging experiences during her time as a correspondent for '60 Minutes' over two decades ago. The 69-year-old media personality shared her insights during an episode of the podcast 'Call Her Daddy,' which premiered on June 24. In the interview, she discussed how her work on the iconic news program was sometimes influenced by biases she claims were subtly imposed by its former leader.
A Controversial Assignment
During her tenure at CBS, Couric recounted a specific instance where her proposed story on Lady Gaga was initially dismissed by Jeff Fager, the executive producer of '60 Minutes.' She had envisioned the profile as a potential breakthrough for the rising pop star, predicting she would follow in the footsteps of Madonna. However, Fager hesitated to greenlight the idea. A year later, Couric reworked the angle, focusing on Gaga's Catholic school background, which Fager finally approved. Despite that, when she arrived at the CBS studio, she discovered the assignment had been given to Anderson Cooper instead.
"They had a whiteboard at CBS, and they had the name of the correspondent and the story next to it. And I see: Lady Gaga, Anderson Cooper," Couric recalled, highlighting the irony of her own vision being sidelined.
Couric described the moment as disheartening, saying it sparked a sense of frustration. The situation, she added, echoed in another instance involving Hillary Clinton. She detailed how, after being assigned to interview the former secretary of state, she found herself in a confusing standoff with the State Department. The department seemed unsure about who would lead the story, with her producer informing her that Scott Pelley’s team had been in contact about Clinton.
"I go to Jeff Fager and I say, 'I thought you wanted me to do Hillary. You told me explicitly that you wanted to assign that story to me.' And he said, 'Yeah, we decided to change things up,' " Couric admitted, reflecting on the lack of transparency in the decision-making process.
Fager, who led '60 Minutes' from 2004 until 2018, was also chairman of CBS News starting in 2011. His tenure coincided with a period of significant change within the network. In 2018, he was dismissed for sending a threatening message to a CBS reporter who had investigated internal misconduct allegations. The communication, which he described as a "harsh" demand for fairness, was part of a larger scandal involving accusations of inappropriate behavior and covering up sexual misconduct. Fager denied the claims, but the fallout was undeniable.
Broader Implications
Couric’s account is not isolated. She mentioned that fellow '60 Minutes' correspondent Meredith Vieira had previously raised concerns about sexism during her time at CBS. This pattern of behind-the-scenes decisions, Couric argued, was emblematic of a broader culture that often overlooked the contributions of female journalists.
She emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that Fager lacked the decency to communicate his changes directly. "It made me insane," she confessed, underscoring the emotional toll of being blindsided by such reassignments. The incident with Hillary Clinton, in particular, became a turning point in her perception of leadership at CBS.
As of this year, both Pelley and Cooper have moved away from '60 Minutes.' Pelley, who was fired in June 2026 for criticizing CBS News leadership, became embroiled in a staff meeting where he accused editor-in-chief Bari Weiss of undermining the network’s credibility. Cooper, meanwhile, concluded his two-decade run on the show in May 2026, citing a desire to prioritize family time. These departures reflect a wave of changes within the program, with other senior staff members, including executive editor Draggan Mihailovich and correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, also leaving the show.
Couric’s revelations add a layer of complexity to the ongoing narrative about CBS News’ internal dynamics. Her experiences highlight how decisions, even those seemingly routine, can carry profound implications for a journalist’s career. By bringing attention to these moments, she has sparked renewed discussions about gender bias and leadership transparency in the media industry.
A Legacy of Influence
Despite the challenges, Couric’s career has continued to thrive. Her work on '60 Minutes' and as an anchor for 'CBS Evening News' from 2006 to 2011 cemented her status as a trailblazer in television journalism. The anecdote about Lady Gaga, however, remains a poignant reminder of the obstacles she faced in a male-dominated environment. It also serves as a case study for how creative vision can be redirected by institutional biases, even in the face of clear potential.
Couric’s candidness has resonated with many in the industry, offering a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes power struggles of one of America’s most respected news programs. Her critique of Fager’s leadership, while personal, underscores a systemic issue that has affected multiple generations of female journalists. As she reflects on these experiences, it’s clear that the impact of such decisions extends far beyond individual stories, shaping the trajectory of entire careers and the legacy of the shows they helped build.