’60 Minutes’ executive producer Bill Owens resigns

by

Bill Owens, the beleaguered executive producer of “60 Minutes,” resigned Tuesday.

Previously, Owens has been resisting attempts by Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, to resolve a $20 billion lawsuit initiated by former U.S. President Trump. The suit alleges that the network’s October interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris was manipulatively edited to present Harris in a favorable light, a claim made by Trump.

Owen’s departure might indicate that a resolution is imminent, as executives at Paramount Global view the lawsuit as a hindrance in securing approval for their merger deal with David Ellison’s Skydance Media.

In his communication, Owens expressed that he’s realized over the last few months he won’t be permitted to maintain control of the show in the same way he used to. He yearned for the freedom to make decisions that best serve the audience. After tirelessly advocating for the show and our shared values, I am choosing to step back so it can continue its journey forward.

Hollywood Inc.

Trump voices his disapproval on his Truth Social network, claiming that the ’60 Minutes’ broadcast persists in its critical stance towards him, even after he has filed a lawsuit against the show.

For three decades and seven years, Owens served as an executive producer at CBS News. He holds the distinction of being the third person to occupy this position in the 57-year run of “60 Minutes,” succeeding Jeff Fager and Don Hewitt, who founded the show.

Additionally, Owens was responsible for the “CBS Evening News,” a program that has experienced declining ratings since its revamped format launched in January. Instead of Norah O’Donnell, it now features the co-anchoring team of Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson.

Read More

2025-04-22 21:01