Steve Kroft’s candid revelations about his tenure on “60 Minutes” have stirred conversations regarding the pressures and tribulations of high-stakes journalism. In a recent discussion on Bill O’Reilly’s “We’ll Do It Live!” podcast, Kroft openly stated that he “hated” working on the esteemed CBS news program. This surprising admission gives insight into the challenges he faced, despite the prestige associated with the show.
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The Allure and the Reality of ’60 Minutes’
Kroft explained that while “60 Minutes” had an irresistible appeal to him as a journalist, the reality of the job was far from glamorous. “’60 Minutes’ was really appealing, and I thought I wasn’t really sure I was ever going to get there,” he shared. His excitement quickly turned into a grueling reality, as he described the intense demands that came with being part of the team. “The job is just 24 hours a day,” he noted, detailing the relentless cycle of “bad sleep,” constant travel, and lengthy scriptwriting sessions that defined his work life. The adrenaline rush of meeting deadlines, followed by the painstaking process of creating each segment, made for a challenging career path.
Adrenaline and Exposure
Despite his gripes, Kroft recognized the unique exhilaration that came from working on “60 Minutes.” He was drawn to the program’s commitment to revealing impactful stories. The exposure—both positive and negative—was something he found stimulating. “It was exhilarating,” he recalled, particularly when covering hazardous topics that tested his limits as a journalist. The thrill of survival and successful reporting fostered a camaraderie among his colleagues, reminding them of the significant risks they took.
The Competitive Nature of the ’60 Minutes’ Team
The competition to join “60 Minutes” was fierce, creating an environment that resembled a “snake pit.” Kroft reminisced about the mixed reactions from peers when he was selected for the iconic show. “I thought this was fantastic and I expected a lot of people would just come up and say, ‘That’s really great, I’m really happy for you,’” he said. Instead, he discovered a wave of jealousy that turned many of his colleagues into rivals rather than allies. This competitive atmosphere only added pressure to an already demanding role.
A Career of Distinction
Joining “60 Minutes” in 1989, Kroft’s journey came to a close when he retired from CBS in 2019, making him the show’s longest-tenured correspondent at 73. His career is marked by notable interviews, including one with Hillary Clinton, who famously asserted her independence amid rumors about Bill Clinton’s extramarital affairs. Kroft also investigated insider trading in Congress, a story that led to significant reform. His eleven interviews with President Barack Obama further solidified his reputation as a leading journalist, emphasizing the complicated relationship he had with his role at “60 Minutes.”
While Steve Kroft’s legacy on “60 Minutes” is undeniably impressive, his remarks about hating his time on the show provide a sobering look at the intense demands faced by journalists at the pinnacle of their careers.