'60 Minutes' Producer Resigns Over Editorial Oversight

Bill Owens, the longtime executive producer of '60 Minutes,' abruptly resigned after nearly 40 years at CBS News, citing loss of editorial independence due to increased oversight by parent company Paramount Global as it seeks a merger with Skydance Media. Owens and correspondent Scott Pelley stated that, although no stories were blocked, the new supervision compromised journalistic independence, particularly as the show covered contentious issues like the Israel-Gaza war and the Trump administration. The resignation comes amid a $20 billion lawsuit from President Donald Trump against CBS, alleging election interference over a '60 Minutes' interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. The public criticism of Paramount's management has raised concerns about the future direction and editorial freedom of the program. Media figures and lawmakers have voiced concerns about the broader implications for press freedom during periods of corporate consolidation and legal challenges. Owens' departure marks a significant moment for the newsmagazine, which has had only three executive producers in nearly sixty years.