In an astonishing announcement, Bill Owens, the long -standing executive producer of the “60 minutes” of CBS, left the news program, saying that he could no longer execute it with editorial independence.
CBS was involved in a legal battle with President Donald Trump, who continued the network last year for $ 10 million on his “60-minute” electoral interview with the president of the time, Kamala Harris.
The legal problem has thrown a shadow on the long -standing plan for the parent of CBS Paramount to sell to the Hollywood Skydance production company, which requires the approval of the White House.
Legal experts have described the indefensible trial, but the controlling shareholder of Paramount, Shari Redstone, said that she was favorable to the rule of the case, which, according to many journalists from the network, would constitute a capitulation, reported the Times.
“In the past few months, it has also become clear that I would not have been authorized to perform the show because I have always executed it. To make independent decisions according to what was good for 60 minutes, just for the public,” wrote Owens in a memo sent to the staff on Tuesday who was obtained by Business Insider. The New York Times earned its release earlier.
Wendy McMahon, president of CBS News, congratulated Owens in a distinct note obtained by Business Insider for her “unshakable integrity, her curiosity and a deep commitment to the truth”. She wrote that CBS has remained attached to “60 minutes” and to ensure that her mission and the work remain a priority.
The news comes as the media are fighting the way of countering the threats of a president who has sworn to take revenge on his enemies, including the press.
Here is the text of the note that Owens sent to the staff “60 minutes”:
The fact is that 60 minutes was 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 -minute priorities have always been clear. Maybe not smart, but clear.
In recent months, it has also become clear that I would not be allowed to perform the show because I have always executed it. To make independent decisions depending on what was good for 60 minutes, just for the public. So, after defending this show – and what we defend – from all angles, over time with everything I could, I retire so that the show can move forward.
The show is too important for the country, it must continue, but not with me as an executive producer. Remember that people did not think of surviving without Mike or Ed or Don or Jeff. We did it. You will be.
60 minutes will continue to cover the new administration because we will report on future administrations. We will report in war areas, investigate injustices and educate our audience. In short, 60 minutes will do what she has done for 57 years.
Wendy McMahon has always had their backs, and it should be managed by a 60 -minute producer. Tanya was an incredible partner, just like Claudia and Debbie, Matt Richman and Matt Polevoy. I am grateful to everyone.
Listen, I have been working at CBS News for 37 years, more than half of this at 60 minutes, I was killed and threatened with prison to protect a source. I supervised more than 600 stories as an executive producer of 60 years. I know who I am and what I did to cover the most important stories of our time in difficult conditions. I am also proud to have hired the next generation of correspondents and call Lesley, Bill, Anderson, Sharyn, Jon, Cecilia and Scott. Scott one of my closest.
Thank you all, stay focused on the moment, our audience deserves it.
Bill
businessinsider
