“60 Minutes” correspondent Scott Pelley gave a behind-the-scenes look at CBS after the departure of its top producer Bill Owens during the week of April 20. Pelley commented on Owens’ exit at the end of Sunday, April 27’s episode of “60 Minutes.”
Owens said in a memo to his staff, which was obtained by The New York Times, that he resigned because of a loss of independence in decision-making for the show.
The move came as Paramount faces a $20 billion lawsuit from President Donald Trump, in which he accused CBS of deceptively editing an interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential campaign.
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Why are some opposed to a settlement?
Paramount is reportedly in talks with Trump to settle the lawsuit, an idea opposed by Owens and others who have denied any wrongdoing. Paramount, however, is seeking approval from Trump’s FTC to complete a merger with Skydance Media.
Critics of a potential settlement argued it would set a bad precedent for journalism and be akin to “bending the knee,” Fox News reported.
Pelley discloses some changes
During his remarks on April 27, Pelley revealed that “60 Minutes” underwent a transformation in the review process amid merger negotiations. Former CBS News President Susan Zirinsky was tasked with looking over the program’s stories before they hit the air.
“Our parent company, Paramount, is trying to complete a merger,” Pelley said on “60 Minutes.”
He added that “The Trump administration must approve it. Paramount began to supervise our content in new ways.
“None of our stories has been blocked. But Bill felt he lost the independence that honest journalism requires,” Pelley said. “No one is happy about it. But in resigning, Bill proved he was the right person to lead ‘60 Minutes’ all along.”
Stories still drawing Trump’s ire
“60 Minutes” has continued to report on political issues within the Trump administration, from its vow to annex Greenland to its tense relationship with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The reports have drawn criticism from Trump. The president said after the stories aired that CBS should have its broadcasting license taken away. Trump wrote on Truth Social that CBS should “pay a big price” for what he said were targeted stories against him.
Paramount and CBS have yet to respond to Pelley’s remarks.
