After President Donald Trump sued CBS News over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, the network considered settling the suit. The executive producer of the show, Bill Owens, is departing the program because of it.
In a memo to staffers on Tuesday, Owens revealed he would be departing the news magazine program due to what he called an inability to make independent decisions about the program.
“Over the past months, it has also become clear that I would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it,” he wrote in a memo to employees. “To make independent decisions based on what was right for 60 Minutes, right for the audience. So, having defended this show- and what we stand for – from every angle, over time with everything I could, I am stepping aside so the show can move forward.
“The show is too important to the country, it has to continue, just not with me as the Executive Producer,” he concluded.
Bill Owens has served as the Executive Producer of 60 Minutes since 2019. He stepped into the role previously held by Jeff Fager.
Owens also credited CBS News President and CEO Wendy McMahon for always having his back, but that “she agrees that 60 Minutes needs to run by a 60 Minutes producer.”
McMahon gave credit to the executive producer for his stewardship of the brand.
“As Executive Producer, Bill has led 60 Minutes with unwavering integrity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to the truth,” wrote McMahon. “He has championed the kind of journalism that informs, enlightens, and often changes the national conversation. His dedication to finding and nurturing talent will be felt across CBS News for years.”
The announced departure of Owens comes after CBS News and parent company Paramount Global have considered settling the multi-million dollar lawsuit brought forth by President Donald Trump. Some experts have called the lawsuit frivolous, but Paramount Global is in the midst of a proposed merger with Skydance, which would need Trump administration approval to be completed.
The news of Owens’ resignation was first reported by The New York Times.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
