From the controversy with the FCC and Donald Trump that has gripped 60 Minutes these last few months, the network is now reeling from the surprise departure of executive producer Bill Owens. The show’s “The Last Minute” segment recently addressed Owens’ sudden resignation since his start as Paramount’s executive producer in 2019. According to The Hollywood Reporter,  news correspondent Scott Pelley took a moment from the episode to discuss the departure of the network’s executive producer, giving him credit for making sure the stories were accurate and fair. 

“None of our stories has been blocked, but Bill felt he lost the independence that honest journalism requires,” Scott Pelley said via Sunday night’s broadcast. “But our parent company, Paramount, is trying to complete a merger. The Trump Administration must approve it. Paramount began to supervise our content in new ways.” 

Further noting Owens’ being apart of CBS for over 40 years, with 26 of the years being with 60 Minutes, “no one is happy about his departure.” Pelley continued via The Hollywood Reporter. With Owens’ resignation, which had reportedly come via an email to his staff members, he stated his “inability to make independent decisions.” Besides this, Owens’ has cited corporate interference, referencing the ongoing battles with the FCC over Disney and NBCUniversal’s DEI practices. According to Deadline, these lawsuits appointed by Trump and the changes within Paramount’s network has prompted Owens’ departure. 

“Over the past months, it has…become clear that I would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it.” Owens wrote. “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 60 Minutes broadcast, which is typically known for its controversial topic coverage, such as The Trump Administration and the ongoing war in Israel and Gaza, plans to see Owens’ through Tuesday, April 29th, which will be his final day with the company. As Trump’s lawsuit looms over the network along with the current merging process with Skydance Media, it is unknown who will replace Bill Owens.