Sharyn Alfonsi and Scott Pelley, two former "60 Minutes" correspondents, have been named journalists-in-residence at Columbia University's School of Journalism for the 2026-2027 academic year. Announced on Monday, the appointments give both broadcasters a platform to mentor the next generation of journalists shortly after their departures from CBS News amid a contentious overhaul of the long-running programme.

In their new roles, Alfonsi and Pelley will engage students through lectures, workshops and special events, and each will contribute a piece to the Columbia Journalism Review. Both left "60 Minutes" earlier in 2026 after clashes tied to editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and new executive producer Nick Bilton, part of a wider shake-up that also saw Cecilia Vega ousted and Anderson Cooper depart. Dean Jelani Cobb welcomed the pair, citing their investigative track records, while Alfonsi and Pelley both spoke of the importance of rigorous, accountability-driven journalism at a critical moment for a free press.