Steve Kroft, the prominent former correspondent for CBS’s acclaimed newsmagazine 60 Minutes, has recently opened up about his career and experiences with the show during an appearance on Bill O’Reilly’s We’ll Do It Live! Kroft, who has been a significant figure in journalism since he joined CBS News in 1980 and began working with 60 Minutes in 1989, reflected candidly on his three-decade-long tenure with the programme.
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Throughout his time at 60 Minutes, Kroft produced numerous unforgettable pieces, including interviews with significant political figures such as Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Barack and Michelle Obama. He even conducted Obama’s final television interview as president in January 2017. His ability to engage in depth with complex stories established him as a significant player in the world of investigative journalism. However, despite the accolades and recognition, Kroft revealed that his journey was not without its challenges.
In a frank admission, Kroft stated that while he loved the stories he was able to cover, he harboured a dislike for the relentless nature of the job itself. Reflecting on his emotions prior to joining the programme, he noted, “60 Minutes was really appealing… I wasn’t really sure I was ever gonna get there.” Upon securing his place on the team, however, he quickly realised that not everyone was pleased with his success, which contributed to a competitive and at times, hostile work environment. “It’s a snake pit,” he shared.
The workload at 60 Minutes was daunting, often described by Kroft as a demanding 24-hour commitment that involved extensive travel, lengthy writing sessions, and multiple screenings. “It was exhilarating,” he admitted, highlighting the thrill that came with telling compelling stories. Yet, he also recognised that the intensity of the role pushed him to endure a challenging pace, leading him to joke about the addictive nature of his work. “You get excited about the fact that you’re still alive,” he remarked light-heartedly.
Despite the excitement these stories brought him, Kroft indicated a reluctance to relive the experience. When O’Reilly asked if he would embark on a similar path again, Kroft answered with hesitation, saying, “No, I probably wouldn’t do it again. I hated it.” His fondest memories stemmed from an earlier period in his career when he served as a correspondent in the London bureau, a role he cherished for the opportunities it provided to explore different parts of the world.
Kroft’s career with 60 Minutes was not only marked by notable interviews but also by the impact of his journalism. In 2019, as he concluded his 30th season with the programme, he announced his retirement. At the time, he remarked humorously that if producers were asked about him during the scripting process, their responses would be “unprintable”. Yet, he was confident that once a story was completed and screened, opinions would likely be more complimentary.
The significance of Kroft’s reporting was echoed by former executive producer Bill Owens, who stated that Kroft’s contributions were among the most important in the history of 60 Minutes. Owens praised Kroft for his sharp attention to detail and high standards of journalism, noting that he set a high bar for the correspondents who followed him. Another CBS executive, Susan Zirinsky, remarked on Kroft’s investigative instincts, affirming that his ability to unravel intricate stories made him a natural fit for the storied programme.
As Kroft reminisced about his illustrious career, he painted a portrait of both the thrill and the turmoil that often accompanies journalism at the highest level. Though his experience with 60 Minutes will remain a defining chapter in his life, it has undoubtedly left him with mixed feelings—deep appreciation for the stories he told, coupled with a realisation of the demanding world that accompanied them.
In summary, Steve Kroft’s reflections on his time at 60 Minutes serve as a reminder of the complexities inherent in the field of journalism. As he steps away from the spotlight, his legacy continues through his impactful reporting and the stories that captured the nation’s attention for three decades.