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Recent developments at CBS News have left staff members feeling unsettled following the sudden exit of “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens, as reported by sources within the network.
“The atmosphere is tense; discussions about his departure continue to unfold,” a CBS insider shared with Fox News Digital nearly a week after Owens’ resignation.
In a message to his colleagues, Owens indicated that increasing corporate influence had compromised his ability to lead the newsroom independently. He expressed concerns about losing the freedom to make decisions that aligned with the integrity of “60 Minutes.”
“In recent months, it became evident that I could no longer operate the show in the manner I deemed essential, making choices in the best interest of ’60 Minutes’ and its audience,” Owens stated in his memo. “After defending the show and its values from various angles, I am stepping down to allow the program to advance.”
‘60 MINUTES’ ADDRESSES CORPORATE INFLUENCE AMIDST OWENS’ RESIGNATION
Owens’ unexpected departure was prompted by his belief that he could no longer maintain the editorial independence crucial to the show’s reputation. (Piaras Ó MÃdheach/Sportsfile for Collision via Getty Images)
Compounding the situation, CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, is currently engaged in a legal dispute with former President Donald Trump. Trump initiated a $20 billion lawsuit—up from an initial $10 billion—claiming election interference related to the network’s handling of his “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris.
Amid speculation, it appears that Paramount is looking to resolve the lawsuit quickly as part of its upcoming merger with Skydance Media. This strategy aims to mitigate potential repercussions from the FCC, which has the authority to block the multi-billion dollar deal. Both parties have opted for mediation, indicating a likely settlement.
Prior to Owens’ exit, sources reported that Shari Redstone, Paramount’s controlling shareholder, was closely monitoring the scheduling of segments related to Trump on “60 Minutes.” This oversight has raised eyebrows within the organization.
CBS NEWS REPORTERS HONOR OWENS, LINK DEPARTURE TO TRUMP LAWSUIT AND MERGER
Redstone reportedly aims to settle Trump’s lawsuit to facilitate the merger with Skydance Media. Journalists on “CBS Evening News” and “60 Minutes” have publicly acknowledged Owens’ contributions while addressing the looming legal challenges. Veteran CBS correspondent Scott Pelley noted, “Our parent company, Paramount, is managing our content in unprecedented ways. While none of our stories have been impeded, Bill felt a significant loss of the independence vital for authentic journalism.”
Executive producer of “CBS Evening News,” Guy Campanile, has voiced his distress over Owens’ departure, encouraging his team to view Pelley’s remarks on air. Campanile, who previously worked under Owens as a producer before transitioning to his current role, emphasized the collective uncertainty within the network.
“The atmosphere is one of apprehension, as we wait to see what will transpire next,” expressed the insider. “Everyone is left in a state of chaos, trying to navigate this unpredictability.”
OWENS’ EXIT SPARKS CONCERNS AMONG CBS NEWS STAFF
An insider revealed that the ongoing tension linked to Trump’s lawsuit and the impending merger has left many employees feeling anxious. “I’m eager to return to work in a stable environment,” voiced the CBS staff member, reflecting their frustration.
While some CBS employees regard Trump’s lawsuit as unjustified, fears abound that a settlement could tarnish the news division’s reputation. “A settlement would imply wrongdoing on our part,” the insider expressed, advocating for a more vigorous defense of the newsroom’s integrity.
TRANSPARENCY REQUESTED FROM PARAMOUNT’S LEADERSHIP
Representing the sentiments of CBS News staff, the insider issued a candid message to Redstone: “Please allow us to work in the way we have for many years.” CBS News has yet to provide an official statement regarding the situation.
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