AhlulBayt News Agency: Veteran producer Bill Owens resigned from CBS’s 60 Minutes last week, citing interference from its parent company, Paramount, in covering sensitive topics such as Israel’s assault on Gaza and the Trump administration. Owens, who served as executive producer for over 25 years, stepped down after feeling his journalistic independence was compromised.
During Sunday night’s episode, anchor Scott Pelley addressed Owens’ departure, acknowledging the challenges posed by Paramount’s increased supervision of content. Pelley stated, “None of our stories have been blocked, but Bill felt he lost the independence that honest journalism required.” He added that Paramount’s actions coincided with its efforts to secure approval for a merger from the Trump administration.
The resignation follows escalating tensions between CBS and former President Donald Trump, who criticized 60 Minutes for airing allegedly inaccurate stories about him. Trump has also pressed the Federal Communications Commission to take action against the show and filed a lawsuit in late 2024 accusing it of election interference after an interview with Kamala Harris, his presidential opponent.
In his resignation letter, Owens expressed frustration over losing autonomy in decision-making, stating, “I would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it.” He emphasized his commitment to defending the integrity of 60 Minutes but ultimately stepped aside, saying, “The show is too important to the country; it must continue, just not with me as Executive Producer.”
The controversy highlights broader tensions between editorial independence and corporate interests, especially amid politically charged topics and Paramount’s merger ambitions.
/129
Your Comment