In a stunning moment of live television, 60 Minutes anchor Scott Pelley took direct aim at CBS’ corporate leadership, accusing them of caving to political pressure from Donald Trump to protect a major merger deal. His remarks came just days after the sudden resignation of the show’s longtime executive producer, Bill Owens — a move that sent shockwaves through the newsroom.
Pelley delivered the fiery rebuke during 60 Minutes’ closing “Last Minute” segment Sunday night, placing the blame for Owens’ departure squarely on CBS’ parent company, Paramount Global.
“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,” Pelley told viewers. “None of our stories has been blocked, but Bill felt he lost the independence that honest journalism requires.”
Owens, who had spent nearly four decades at CBS and helped shape 60 Minutes into a powerhouse of investigative journalism, resigned last Tuesday. In a memo obtained by The New York Times, he made it clear the decision was not his first choice — but it was necessary.
“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,” Owens wrote. Internally, he told colleagues it had “become clear that I would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it.”
Pelley didn’t hold back in honoring Owens — or in criticizing the company. “He was our boss. Bill was with CBS News nearly 40 years, 26 years at 60 Minutes,” he said. “His was a quest to open minds, not close them. If you’ve ever worked hard for a boss because you admired him, then you understand what we’ve enjoyed here.”
The timing of Owens’ resignation couldn’t be more politically charged. Paramount is trying to finalize a $20 billion merger with Skydance Media — a deal that needs federal approval. With Trump-aligned regulators expected to weigh in, multiple sources say Paramount is under pressure to avoid antagonizing the former president.
That pressure has turned into real consequences for the newsroom. According to veteran correspondent Lesley Stahl, there has been “interference in our news processes and calling into question our judgment.” CBS has denied changing editorial direction, but insiders say the environment has clearly shifted.
Trump’s hostility toward 60 Minutes is no secret. The former president has repeatedly criticized the show and is currently suing CBS for defamation over a 2020 interview with then-candidate Kamala Harris. The lawsuit alleges the interview was edited to make Harris appear more favorable — a claim both Owens and the network deny. Paramount is reportedly eager to settle the case to clear the way for its merger.
Reaction to Pelley’s on-air remarks has been fierce. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), along with journalists like Jim Acosta and Nicholas Kristof, condemned the growing pattern of corporate media bowing to political pressure.
Kristof warned on social media that this moment “marks a dangerous turning point” for independent journalism.
As Pelley put it, Owens’ exit wasn’t just a loss — it was a warning. “In resigning, Bill proved one thing,” he said. “He was the right person to lead 60 Minutes all along.”
Watch the segment below from CBS:
