After several tumultuous months, CBS News has found a replacement for Bill Owens as the Executive Producer of 60 Minutes. Longtime colleague Tanya Simon will step into the role.
Simon has spent 25 years working for the program. In the wake of Owens’ high-profile exit, she was tabbed as the interim executive producer. She began her career at CBS News working as a researcher for 48 Hours in 1996 before rising to the roles of Associate Producer and Producer of the program, before ultimately shifting her attention to 60 Minutes.
Bill Owens left the program earlier this year, citing concerns about his editorial independence. The news program was the subject of controversy in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election, as critics claimed the network and show selectively edited answers from Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in an effort to make her appear more coherent.
Later, President Donald Trump launched a billion-dollar lawsuit against the outlet, which CBS News is in the final stages of settling for a reported $16 million.
“It is a privilege to lead 60 Minutes and its formidable team of journalists,” Simon said. “60 is in a class of its own, upholding a legacy of extraordinary and thought-provoking journalism for more than half a century. I’m deeply committed to this level of excellence, and I look forward to delivering an exciting season of signature 60 stories that cover a wide range of subjects for a broad audience and engage viewers with their world.”
Simon becomes the fourth Executive Producer in the news magazine’s long history. Additionally, she becomes the first woman to serve in the role.
“Tanya Simon understands what makes 60 Minutes tick. She is an innovative leader, an exceptional producer and someone who knows how to inspire people,” CBS News President Tom Cibrowski said. “Tanya knows that the success of today’s 60 Minutes depends on delivering a weekly mix of the most informative, impactful and entertaining stories and investigative journalism from around the world. This is the true essence and foundation of 60 Minutes.”
The season premiere of the 58th season of 60 Minutes is scheduled for Sunday, September 28th.
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.
