FCC Chair Brendan Carr stated on social media that low trust in media stems from legacy journalists being out of touch, following reports that Scott Pelley was fired from CBS's 60 Minutes. Pelley previously served as a correspondent for CBS News and 60 Minutes. The comment references broader audience erosion at legacy outlets without specifying the firing's cause.
“Former '60 Minutes' correspondent Scott Pelley speaks out after firing”
Read at NPR →“FCC Chair Carr says Scott Pelley ‘completely out of touch’ for not anticipating ’60 Minutes’ firing”
Read at The Hill →No right-leaning sources covered this
Carr's comment frames the firing as proof legacy journalists are out of touch and responsible for eroding trust, aligning with pressure on outlets scrutinizing right-wing policies.
“Regulatory officials acting as arbiters of journalistic relevance rather than defenders of press independence”
Carr correctly identified how insulated legacy figures like Pelley contributed to historic lows in trust through selective coverage of elections and cultural debates.
“Market correction driven by one-sided framing at outlets such as 60 Minutes”
The firing reflects private employers exercising property rights, though Carr's position as FCC chair adds weight to his remark given agency licensing power.
“Voluntary association and market accountability versus risk of government pressure on speech”
All perspectives accept without evidence that the firing proves journalists are out of touch, overlooking internal CBS factors, lack of segment-specific data, and the asymmetry of a regulator publicly grading a licensee journalist.
“Shared premise that treats one tweet as systemic proof while ignoring accuracy complaints, audience fragmentation, and regulatory signaling”
Ratings by MBFC