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5d ago

‘60 Minutes’ Executive Producer Resigns Over Loss of Editorial Independence

Bill Owens steps down, citing external pressures and corporate influence as CBS navigates a $20 billion Trump lawsuit and a pending merger.

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FILE - Bill Owens takes part in a panel discussion at the Showtime Winter TCA Tour at the Langham Huntington Hotel on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, in Pasadena, Calif.
This June 2022 photo shows, Bill Owens, the executive producer of 60 Minutes, in Toronto, Canada.
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Overview

  • Bill Owens, the third executive producer in ‘60 Minutes’ history, announced his resignation, citing a loss of journalistic autonomy.
  • Owens attributed his departure to increasing external pressures, including a lawsuit by Donald Trump and corporate dynamics tied to Paramount's merger with Skydance Media.
  • Trump's $20 billion defamation lawsuit alleges deceptive editing of a 2024 Kamala Harris interview; legal experts largely view the case as meritless.
  • Settlement discussions between Paramount and Trump are ongoing, with a mediator appointed to resolve the dispute as Paramount seeks regulatory approval for its merger.
  • CBS News leadership, including President Wendy McMahon, reaffirmed their commitment to preserving ‘60 Minutes’ investigative mission despite leadership changes.