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60 Minutes Rebukes Paramount Over Editorial Interference Following Producer’s Resignation

Scott Pelley’s on-air criticism highlights newsroom tensions as Paramount seeks Trump administration approval for a merger with Skydance Media.

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Overview

  • Bill Owens, the longtime executive producer of 60 Minutes, resigned on April 22, citing a loss of editorial independence due to increased corporate oversight by Paramount Global.
  • In an unusual on-air statement, correspondent Scott Pelley criticized Paramount for supervising content in ways that Owens felt undermined journalistic integrity, though no stories were blocked.
  • Paramount Global is pursuing regulatory approval for its merger with Skydance Media, which requires support from the Trump administration, currently suing CBS for $20 billion over alleged deceptive editing of a Kamala Harris interview.
  • Shari Redstone, Paramount’s controlling shareholder, has reportedly pushed for a settlement with Trump, raising concerns about corporate influence on newsroom decisions.
  • Despite these pressures, 60 Minutes continues to air critical investigative segments, including recent coverage of NIH budget cuts under the Trump administration.