Bill Owens, the longtime executive producer of CBS’s 60 Minutes, has announced his resignation, citing a loss of editorial independence after 37 years with the network In a memo to staff, Owens stated, “In recent months, it has become evident that I would not be permitted to manage the program in the manner I have always done, making independent choices based on what was best for ‘60 Minutes’ and our audience”
Owens’ departure comes amid mounting pressure from CBS parent company Paramount Global, which is negotiating a settlement in a $20 billion lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit alleges that a 2024 interview with then–Vice President Kamala Harris was deceptively edited to favor Harris’s campaign The legal dispute has coincided with broader questions about journalistic autonomy and media trust, intensifying scrutiny on the network’s leadership.
Wendy McMahon, CEO of CBS News, praised Owens’ “steadfast integrity” and noted he would remain with 60 Minutes for several weeks during the transition Owens is only the third executive producer in the show’s 57-year history, making his exit a pivotal moment for the legendary news magazine
As CBS navigates legal and corporate challenges, the future direction of 60 Minutes remains uncertain, with further leadership changes possible in the coming weeks
