Bill Owens, the executive producer of the long-standing and influential CBS News programme “60 Minutes,” resigned abruptly on Tuesday, citing a loss of editorial independence as a primary reason for his departure. Owens, who has been at the helm of the show since 2019 and with CBS News for 37 years, expressed concerns in a note to staff about not being allowed to run the programme as he traditionally had, making independent decisions in the best interests of the show and its audience.
“The show is too important to the country,” Owens wrote in his memo. “It has to continue, just not with me as the executive producer.” He also said, speaking to staff, “Having defended this show — and what we stand for — from every angle, over time with everything I could, I am stepping aside so the show can move forward.”
Owens’s resignation comes amid a context of heightened tensions between “60 Minutes” and President Donald Trump’s administration. Last autumn, Trump filed a $20 billion lawsuit against the show, alleging deceptive editing of an interview with his 2020 Democratic election rival, Kamala Harris. CBS rejected these claims and published the full transcript to counter the allegations. Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair, Brendan Carr, under Trump’s administration, announced an investigation into CBS for the same interview.
The strained relationship intensified after the April 13 episode of “60 Minutes,” which included critical stories about Ukraine and Greenland. President Trump took to social media to condemn the show, claiming CBS should “pay a big price” for its critical stance.
In parallel, CBS's parent company, Paramount Global, headed by Shari Redstone, is seeking approval for a merger with Skydance Media, founded by Larry Ellison. There have reportedly been mediation efforts to settle the lawsuit with Trump, a move strongly opposed by Owens and others at “60 Minutes”.
Wendy McMahon, CBS News’ top executive, provided a statement acknowledging Owens’ leadership and dedication. She said, “Owens has led ‘60 Minutes’ with unwavering integrity, curiosity and a deep commitment to the truth. He has championed the kind of journalism that informs, enlightens and often changes the national conversation.”
Owens is the third executive producer in the history of “60 Minutes,” following founder Don Hewitt and Jeff Fager. The show is known for its distinctive ticking stopwatch and has traditionally been run as an independent fiefdom within CBS News. Owens indicated that McMahon agrees his successor should be appointed from within the current “60 Minutes” production team, with his top deputy, Tanya Simon—daughter of the late correspondent Bob Simon—seen as a potential candidate.
It remains unclear whether a specific event precipitated Owens’s resignation or if he was compelled to step down. Owens did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The departure of Owens highlights ongoing difficulties between the Trump administration and the media. Besides the tensions with CBS, the administration has initiated FCC investigations into multiple media companies and pursued efforts to curtail government-run news organisations such as Voice of America. Moreover, The Associated Press has pursued legal action against the administration for limiting its access to events following a directive related to the naming of the Gulf of Mexico.
The Independent is reporting on this development as it unfolds within the shifting landscape of American political-media relations.
Source: Noah Wire Services