Steve Kroft Reflects on 30 Seasons at ’60 Minutes’: “I Probably Wouldn’t Do It Again”

Steve Kroft, a prominent figure in journalism, concluded a celebrated 30-season tenure at 60 Minutes before his retirement in 2019. In a recent podcast appearance, he expressed that given the opportunity, he “probably wouldn’t” choose the same path again.

Career Reflections

During his conversation on Bill O’Reilly’s podcast, We’ll Do It Live!, Kroft shared insights about his extensive career at the iconic newsmagazine, revealing that he often found the job to be overwhelming. He described the relentless demands of the role, stating that it required constant attention and left little room for rest. Kroft noted, “The job is just 24 hours a day… you may get a couple hours of bad sleep. Beepers going off, getting on jets, going here and there, the whole thing, then coming back and spending, you know, three or four days writing the script.”

Kroft also reflected on the competitive nature of the journalism industry, recalling the mixed reactions he received when he was selected for 60 Minutes. He initially expected congratulations but soon realized that not all his peers were pleased with his success. “You’ve all of a sudden made a bunch of enemies. And that’s, it’s just, you know, it’s a snake pit,” he remarked.

A Different Experience in London

Despite the challenges he faced at 60 Minutes, Kroft identified his time as a correspondent in the London bureau as his most fulfilling role at CBS. He expressed that this position allowed him to explore the world, stating, “I got to see the world, that was the job I always wanted.”

While he acknowledged the pressures of his work, Kroft found the storytelling aspect of journalism to be exhilarating. He emphasized that the stories he covered were what made the job worthwhile, saying, “The reason I loved the job was because of the stories that I could do, and the fact that they liked good stories.”

Notable Interviews and Investigations

Kroft’s career was marked by numerous significant interviews and investigations. He was the longest-tenured correspondent at 60 Minutes and conducted some of the program’s most memorable interviews, including a notable discussion with the Clintons in 1992. This interview became particularly famous when Hillary Clinton invoked Tammy Wynette amid allegations of Bill Clinton’s infidelity.

Kroft recounted the initial awkwardness of the interview, which shifted as Hillary Clinton became more engaged in the conversation. He recognized the moment as pivotal, stating, “When she made the Tammy Wynette remark, I knew we were home free.”

His portfolio also includes interviews with high-profile figures such as Woody Allen, Clint Eastwood, and Barack Obama, totaling 16 interviews with the latter, including one following the assassination of Osama Bin Laden. Kroft led critical investigations into issues like Saddam Hussein’s hidden financial assets and insider trading in Congress. However, he identified a 2001 report on the financial firm Sandler O’Neill, which lost a third of its employees in the September 11 attacks, as the story that affected him the most.

Kroft described the experience of following the firm’s surviving partner, Jimmy Dunne, as he navigated the aftermath of the tragedy. “It survived and is thriving today,” he noted, highlighting the resilience of the company.

Insights on Journalism

Kroft’s perfectionism and high standards often made him a challenging figure to work with. He acknowledged that his producers might have unflattering descriptions of him during the scripting process, but he believed they would be more complimentary once the stories were completed.

In a recent return to public discourse, Kroft joined Jon Stewart on The Daily Show to discuss Paramount’s controversial $16 million settlement with President Trump regarding the editing of an interview with Kamala Harris, his opponent in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Kroft described the settlement as a “shakedown,” reflecting his concerns about the implications for journalism.

When discussing the atmosphere at 60 Minutes, Kroft agreed with Stewart that the settlement could be detrimental to the staff, who pride themselves on delivering quality journalism. He expressed concern about the prevailing fear among his former colleagues, stating, “I think there’s a lot of fear over there. Fear of losing their job, fear of what’s happening to the country, fear of losing the First Amendment, all of those things.”

As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.

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Published on 2026-04-05 02:34:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk