Veteran executive producer Bill Owens of the iconic newsmagazine "60 Minutes" has announced his resignation, sending ripples of surprise throughout CBS News. In an email addressed to his staff, Owens cited his inability to exercise independent judgment, stating that he was "constrained from making decisions solely based on what was best for '60 Minutes.'" He elaborated, "Over recent months, it has become unequivocally clear that I would not be permitted to steer the show as I had in the past—to make decisions aligned with the best interests of '60 Minutes' and its audience. Having fiercely defended this program and its values from every conceivable angle, I have exhausted all avenues to uphold our standards. It is with a heavy heart that I step aside, paving the way for '60 Minutes' to advance forward."
The reverberations of Owens' decision resonated deeply within CBS News, according to a source who spoke to The Hollywood Reporter. Wendy McMahon, CEO of CBS News, Stations, and Media Ventures, issued her own memo affirming her unwavering commitment to "60 Minutes" and its mission, pledging, "Our priority remains the show's mission and output. We have embarked on discussions with correspondents and senior leaders, and these conversations will persist in the days and weeks to come." She personally added, "Collaborating with Bill has been a highlight of my career. Supporting his principles was an effortless decision for me, and I have always been grateful for his reciprocal support."
The source suggested that Owens' departure might catalyze further resignations, contingent upon the underlying reasons for his exit. Notably, Paramount is entangled in settlement negotiations with President Trump concerning a lawsuit stemming from an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris prior to last year's election.
Owens marks only the third executive producer in "60 Minutes"' storied history, having assumed the helm in 2019. Additionally, he oversaw the reboot of "CBS Evening News" the following year, which adopted a style akin to "60 Minutes." Speaking to THR at the time, McMahon extolled, "'60 Minutes,' as a brand, holds an immeasurable significance for viewers across various platforms. Its unique and unforgettable approach every Sunday night stands unparalleled."
Since its debut in 1968, "60 Minutes" has served as the bedrock of CBS News. It remains the most-watched news program in the United States, with its interviews and investigative pieces frequently shaping the news narrative. Historically, the program has enjoyed a measure of autonomy from the rest of CBS, maintaining its own team of producers and correspondents, and operating out of an office and studio situated beyond the CBS Broadcast Center on Manhattan's west side. The extent to which this autonomy is currently being compromised could very well dictate the future trajectory of the beloved newsmagazine.
Here is Owens’ email in full:
The fact is that 60 Minutes has been my life. My son was 6 months old, my wife was pregnant with my daughter and my mother was in a coma when I spent 5 weeks on the battlefield in Iraq with Scott. My 60 Minutes priorities have always been clear. Maybe not smart, but clear.
Over the past months, it has also become clear that I would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it. To make independent decisions based on what was right for 60 Minutes, right for the audience. So, having defended this show — and what we stand for — from every angle, over time with everything I could, I am stepping aside so the show can move forward.
The show is too important to the country, it has to continue, just not with me as the Executive Producer. Please remember, people didn’t think we would survive without Mike or Ed or Don or Jeff. We did. You will.
60 Minutes will continue to cover the new administration, as we will report on future administrations. We will report from War zones, investigate injustices and educate our audience. In short, 60 Minutes will do what it has done for 57 years.
Wendy McMahon has always had our back, and she agrees that 60 Minutes needs to be run by a 60 Minute(s) producer. Tanya has been an amazing partner, as have Claudia and Debbie, Matt Richman and Matt Polevoy. I am grateful to all of them.
Look, I have worked at CBS News for 37 years, more than half of that at 60 Minutes, I have been shot at and threatened with jail for protecting a source. I have overseen more than 600 stories as Executive Producer of 60. I know who I am and what I have done to cover the most important stories of our time under difficult conditions. I am also proud to have hired the next generation of correspondents and to call Lesley, Bill, Anderson, Sharyn, Jon, Cecilia and Scott friends. Scott one of my closest.
Thank you all, remain focused on the moment, our audience deserves it.
Here is McMahon’s memo:
Hi everyone,
After 37 years, Bill Owens is ending his illustrious career at CBS News, 24 of those years at America’s most important news program, 60 Minutes. His note to the team is below.
As Executive Producer, Bill has led 60 Minutes with unwavering integrity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to the truth. He has championed the kind of journalism that informs, enlightens, and often changes the national conversation.
His dedication to finding and nurturing talent will be felt across CBS News for years. Bill will be with us in the weeks ahead so there will be time and opportunity to thank Bill for his immeasurable contributions to CBS News, 60 Minutes and the profession of journalism as a whole.
Tom and I are committed to 60 Minutes and to ensuring that the mission and the work remain our priority. We have already begun conversations with correspondents and senior leaders, and those will continue in the days and weeks ahead.
On a personal note, working with Bill has been one of the great privileges of my career. Standing behind what he stood for was an easy decision for me, and I never took for granted that he did the same for me.
Wendy
