60 Minutes” Executive Producer Bill Owens Resigns After Nearly 40 Years, Citing Concerns Over Journalistic Independence Amid Legal Challenges

Bill Owens, the executive producer of CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” has announced his decision to leave the network after nearly 40 years of service. In a memo to staff, Owens expressed that he felt unable to maintain the level of journalistic independence he had previously enjoyed while running the show. This announcement was made public on Tuesday and has been reported by various news outlets, including NBC News.

Owens highlighted in his memo that recent months have made it clear to him that he would not be able to continue managing “60 Minutes” in the manner he deemed appropriate. He emphasized the importance of making independent decisions that serve the best interests of the program and its audience. His decision to step down is rooted in his commitment to these principles, which he feels are no longer tenable under the current circumstances.

The departure of Owens occurs during a challenging period for “60 Minutes.” The program is currently facing a lawsuit from former President Donald Trump, who claims that the show misled the public by editing an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. This legal action adds to the complexities surrounding the newsmagazine, which has long been a staple of investigative journalism.

In his memo, Owens expressed his dedication to defending the integrity of “60 Minutes” throughout his tenure. He stated that he has consistently worked to uphold the values of the show against various challenges. However, he concluded that stepping aside was necessary for the program to continue moving forward. Owens’ departure marks the end of an era for “60 Minutes,” as the network now faces the task of appointing a new leader to guide the show through its current challenges.