Steve Kroft Reveals He ‘Hated’ Working 24/7 on ’60 Minutes’
Steve Kroft, a former correspondent for CBS’s “60 Minutes,” opened up about his experiences on the show during a recent podcast with Bill O’Reilly. He candidly expressed his disdain for the intense demands of the job, revealing that he “hated” the relentless 24/7 schedule.
Challenges of Working on ’60 Minutes’
Kroft highlighted the rigorous nature of his responsibilities. He described the job as a constant cycle of travel and stress. After a few hours of interrupted sleep, he would often have to rush to different locations, all while dealing with the pressure of tight deadlines.
- Endless travel and scripted writing
- Dealing with the pressures of live screenings
- Managing work-related stress consistently
The demanding lifestyle, while exhilarating at times, took a toll on his well-being. Kroft recalled moments of danger in his reporting that made him and his colleagues feel a rush of adrenaline—yet the overall strain was a significant downside.
Reception Among Peers
Joining “60 Minutes” in 1989 was a highly competitive process. Kroft suggested that rather than congratulatory responses, his promotion evoked jealousy among his peers. This realization transformed what he thought would be a celebration into a competitive landscape, where he felt he made “a bunch of enemies.”
Legacy at ’60 Minutes’
Steve Kroft’s tenure at “60 Minutes” lasted until his retirement in 2019, marking 30 seasons as the longest-serving correspondent on the program. His career featured notable interviews, including:
- Hillary Clinton on her marriage to Bill Clinton
- Multiple interviews with President Barack Obama
- A groundbreaking report on insider trading in Congress, leading to significant reforms
Despite the challenges, Kroft enjoyed moments where good storytelling was valued. His reflections provide insight into the wild world of real journalism and the sacrifices that come with it.
