CBS's 60 Minutes Executive Producer Resigns Amid Trump Lawsuit and Internal Pressure
Bill Owens resigns as 60 Minutes executive producer, citing loss of independence, amidst ongoing tensions with Trump and internal CBS disputes.
Mr. Owens’ resignation comes as CBS’ parent company, Paramount, is preparing for formal talks to settle President Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit stemming from “60 Minutes” editing of Vice President Harris’ October 2024 interview to remove a “word salad” from an answer to a question about Israel.
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CNN described his upcoming departure as "another major victory" for Trump, who has excoriated "CBS Fake News" for its "fraudulent, beyond recognition, reporting."
'60 Minutes' executive producer resigns months after alleged edits of Kamala interview
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In practice, that’s apparently not what happened.
Why it’s so discouraging to see the executive producer of ‘60 Minutes’ resign
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CBS argues the answer was shortened due to time constraints and said the full answer was available online.
'60 Minutes' top producer resigns, cites loss of 'independent decisions': Report
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Owens has repeatedly told colleagues he would refuse to apologize to Trump.
'60 Minutes' chief resigns, saying show's independence was compromised
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While Owens’ pined for more independence, past examples of malfeasance at his network demonstrate that the show’s autonomy may have been a double-edged sword.
Head Of ’60 Minutes’ Announces Exit, Cites Alleged Loss Of Independence
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Owens’ resignation provides Trump with another major victory against the broadcaster.
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The show has been under attack from President Donald Trump, who sued the network from $20 billion for the way it edited its interview with Kamala Harris last fall.
Top '60 Minutes' producer quits, saying he can no longer run the show as he has
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Owens said the show will continue to cover the new Trump administration, adding: "The show is too important to the country."
60 Minutes executive producer leaves program over journalistic independence
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Owens’ departure comes during a tumultuous chapter for “60 Minutes.”
'60 Minutes' producer leaves show, citing a loss of journalistic independence
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The show has been under attack from President Donald Trump, who sued the network from $20 billion for the way it edited its interview with Kamala Harris last fall.
Top ’60 Minutes’ producer quits, saying he can no longer run the show as he has
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Owens' comment about losing independence appeared to allude to the Trump suit hanging over the network.
Top '60 Minutes' producer resigns from show, cites lack of independence
FOX News·2d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.The show has been under attack from President Donald Trump, who sued the network from $20 billion for the way it edited its interview with Kamala Harris last fall.
Top "60 Minutes" producer quits, saying he can no longer run the show as he has
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Owens’ departure comes amid settlement talks between CBS and Donald Trump‘s team over a lawsuit Trump filed over the way 60 Minutes edited an interview with Kamala Harris.
Deadline·2d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.Owens' departure follows a months' long legal battle with President Donald Trump, who sued CBS in October over a "60 Minutes" interview with his Democratic rival for the White House, former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Top '60 Minutes' Producer Quits Amid Trump Litigation
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Summary
Bill Owens has announced his resignation as executive producer of CBS's 60 Minutes, citing a loss of independence in decision-making and increased pressure from President Trump's ongoing $20 billion lawsuit against CBS, which alleges biased editing in an interview with Kamala Harris. Trump's intense criticism of the program, including accusations of fraud and calls for regulatory repercussions, coincides with a tumultuous internal atmosphere at CBS, exacerbated by corporate interests surrounding a potential merger involving its parent company, Paramount Global. Owens stated he could no longer run the show as he has traditionally, raising concerns about the future of the program.
Perspectives
OwensOwens, the executive producer of '60 Minutes', resigned due to losing the independence to run the show as he believes is right for journalism and the audience.
His departure comes amid a contentious lawsuit from former President Donald Trump over an edited interview with Kamala Harris, highlighting the friction between CBS News and the Trump administration.Paramount Global
CBS executives, including Wendy McMahon, acknowledge Owens' contributions, emphasizing the need for authentic journalism while navigating pressures from outside influences.
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