NEW YORK (AP) — The executive producer of the renowned CBS News show “60 Minutes” has abruptly resigned amidst a contentious battle with President Donald Trump, citing a loss of freedom in running the show independently. Bill Owens, who has been at the helm of the influential newsmagazine since 2019, expressed in a staff memo that circumstances had arisen where he felt restricted in making decisions in the best interest of the program and its audience.
Owens’ departure comes in the midst of a $20 billion lawsuit filed by Trump against “60 Minutes,” alleging deceptive editing in an interview featuring Kamala Harris. Despite CBS refuting any bias in their reporting and releasing the full transcript, tensions between the network and the administration have escalated. Additionally, Trump has initiated an investigation into CBS by the Federal Communications Commission, further intensifying the strained relationship.
Paramount Global, CBS’ parent company led by Shari Redstone, is currently navigating a merger with Skydance Media, a move that has triggered mediation efforts to resolve the lawsuit with Trump. Owens and other members of the “60 Minutes” team have expressed opposition to this settlement, underscoring the broader conflicts enveloping the program.
In recent episodes, “60 Minutes” has continued its tradition of hard-hitting journalism by airing critical reports on the new administration, prompting backlash from Trump on social media. Despite the show’s dedication to rigorous reporting, the hostile environment surrounding it has culminated in Owens’ decision to step down, acknowledging the need for the show to progress without him.
Within the tight-knit environment of “60 Minutes,” Owens’ departure marks a significant change, as he has been a stalwart presence at the program for nearly two decades. The decision to replace him with a current producer demonstrates the ongoing commitment to maintaining the show’s integrity and standards of journalism moving forward, under the leadership of Tanya Simon.
As the media landscape continues to grapple with political pressures and challenges to press freedom, the resignation of Owens from “60 Minutes” stands as a poignant reminder of the complex dynamics at play in the industry. The legacy of the show, with its iconic stopwatch, now faces a pivotal juncture as it navigates a shifting terrain of journalistic independence and governmental scrutiny.