New York, NY – The executive producer of CBS’s renowned news program “60 Minutes,” Bill Owens, announced his resignation on Tuesday amidst ongoing legal battles and corporate pressures. Owens’ departure comes amid a $20-billion lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump, alleging deceptive editing in the network’s interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS, has been working to resolve the lawsuit, seen as a barrier to a potential merger with Skydance Media led by David Ellison.
The departure of Owens hints at a potential settlement in the looming legal dispute. Owens, who spent 37 years at CBS News, expressed in a message obtained by sources that he felt constrained in making independent decisions necessary for the show’s integrity and audience’s interest. As the third executive producer in “60 Minutes” history, following industry veterans such as Jeff Fager and Don Hewitt, Owens’ departure marks a significant transition for the long-running news program.
Owens’ resignation also brings attention to the challenges faced by CBS and its news division. With the ratings of “CBS Evening News” in decline since a format change earlier this year, the network is navigating through uncertain times. Despite the setback, Owens expressed confidence in the experienced team at “60 Minutes” to continue the show’s legacy of impactful journalism and investigative reporting.
While a successor to Owens has yet to be named officially, Tanya Simon, the program’s executive editor and daughter of the late correspondent Bob Simon, is a likely candidate to fill the role. With Owens stepping down, the future of “60 Minutes” remains uncertain, especially with the pending resolution of Trump’s lawsuit and the FCC’s investigation into CBS News regarding the program’s editing practices.
Trump’s lawsuit against CBS underscores the ongoing tensions between the former president and mainstream media outlets. The legal battle stems from the editing of Harris’ response to a question during the interview, sparking backlash from conservative circles. Despite criticism, journalism experts have defended CBS’s editing practices as standard procedures for clarity and conciseness in news reporting.
As “60 Minutes” navigates through these challenges, the show’s journalistic integrity and commitment to informing the public remain at the forefront. The departure of Owens and the pending legal resolution with Trump’s lawsuit signal a period of transition and uncertainty for one of the most revered news programs on television.