Bill Owens, the executive producer of CBS's "60 Minutes," has resigned, citing an inability to make independent editorial decisions. His departure comes amid a $20 billion lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against CBS, alleging deceptive editing in a 2024 interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris.

In a memo to staff, Owens stated he could no longer operate the program independently and make editorial decisions based solely on journalistic principles. He emphasized his commitment to journalistic integrity and expressed concerns over compromised independence.

Owens' resignation follows a lawsuit filed by President Trump in October 2024, accusing "60 Minutes" of deceptive editing in its interview with Kamala Harris. The lawsuit alleges that the network's editing misled the public and unfairly disadvantaged Trump. CBS has denied the allegations and released the full interview transcript.

The network's parent company, Paramount Global, is reportedly considering a settlement or public apology to Trump. This potential settlement aims to facilitate regulatory approval for Paramount's merger with Skydance Media. Owens and other newsroom staff have opposed this move, viewing it as a compromise to journalistic integrity.

Since taking office for a second term, President Trump's administration has targeted various media outlets. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiated an investigation into CBS and other networks for alleged "news distortion." Former FCC chairs and commissioners have criticized the FCC's actions, accusing it of acting as a censorship tool for the White House and threatening broadcasters over content unfavorable to the administration.

Owens, a 37-year veteran of CBS News, began his career as a summer intern in 1988 and joined "60 Minutes" in 2003. He became executive producer in 2019, succeeding Jeff Fager. Throughout his tenure, Owens was known for his dedication to truth-focused journalism and his role in shaping national discourse.

CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon praised Owens for his dedication to truth-focused journalism and his role in shaping national discourse. She emphasized the network's commitment to maintaining the integrity and mission of "60 Minutes" despite the ongoing challenges.

Owens' resignation underscores the ongoing tensions between media organizations and political figures, as well as internal conflicts within newsrooms regarding editorial independence. The situation highlights the challenges media outlets face in maintaining journalistic integrity amid political and corporate pressures.

The departure of a seasoned journalist like Owens raises questions about the future of "60 Minutes" and its ability to uphold its longstanding reputation for investigative journalism. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the balance between corporate interests, political pressures, and journalistic integrity remains a critical issue for news organizations.