A TOP 60 Minutes anchor appeared to launch a stinging attack on the show’s bosses – just days after an executive producer resigned.
Scott Pelley used the final minute of Sunday night’s episode to pay tribute to Bill Owens, while also lashing out at Paramount chiefs.
Scott Pelley slammed Paramount bosses in a blistering attack on 60 MinutesCredit: CBS
Owens told staffers about his plans to resign last week, claiming he wouldn’t be allowed to run the news show as he wanted to, as per The New York Times.
And in his monologue, Pelley told viewers that “no one is happy” about Owens’ decision to step down.
“His was a quest to open minds not close them,” he said.
“If you’ve ever worked hard for a boss because you admired him then you understand what we’ve enjoyed here.”
Pelley admitted some stories covered on 60 Minutes were “controversial” and spanned a range of topics, but under Owen’s leadership, he said they were covered accurately and fairly.
The anchor name-dropped Paramount and claimed bosses are supervising content in different ways.
“None of our stories has been blocked, but Bill felt he lost the independence that honest journalism requires,” he added.
“No one here is happy about it.”
Paramount is in the process of merging with Skydance Media.
Renowned journalist Pelley has been working on 60 Minutes for more than 20 years.
Norah O’Donnell slammed over final CBS News sign-off as viewers call it ‘a joke’ & point to moment that led to downfall
During his journalism career, he reported from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and has interviewed several presidents, including George H.W. Bush and Joe Biden.
And he has won more than 50 Emmy Awards, according to his CBS biography.
Paramount chiefs have not commented on Pelley’s remarks.
Pelley has not provided any further comments following the episode.
The U.S. Sun has approached CBS News for comment.
In a memo seen by The New York Times, Owens said he would step down to allow 60 Minutes to move forward.
The news show has aired on CBS since 1968 and Owens was the third person to run the program.
Wendy McMahon, the CEO of CBS News, paid tribute to the executive producer.
“As Executive Producer, Bill has led 60 Minutes with unwavering integrity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to the truth,” she said in an email, obtained by CNN.
“He has championed the kind of journalism that informs, enlightens, and often changes the national conversation.”
NETWORK LAWSUIT
CBS hit the headlines after Donald Trump sued the outlet for $20 million.
He claimed that chiefs edited a sitdown interview featuring Kamala Harris during the height of the 2024 presidential election campaign.
Trump claimed the supposed edits made Harris sound better.
CBS bosses have denied the allegations.
The network has undergone a major revamp in recent months.
In January, Norah O’Donnell left CBS after 12 years at the network.
She departed months after announcing she would leave her role as anchor and managing editor after the 2024 election.
Only weeks after O’Donnell’s departure, network bosses were reportedly changing the format of its Evening News show.
The New York Post reported ratings had slipped since O’Donnell was replaced.
There was a decline in the weeks that Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson debuted on the network.
Insiders told the outlet the decline was not unsurprising.
“When there is an anchor change, traditionally there is a dip in ratings,” a source told The Post.
Norah O’Donnell was a prominent name to leave CBS earlier this yearCredit: CBS
Norah O’Donnell’s farewell from CBS
NORAH O’Donnell signed off from the network in January. She gave a tearful farewell.
“This has been the honor of a lifetime to anchor this legacy broadcast,” O’Donnell said.
“The CBS Evening News – for good reason – is the longest-running evening newscast in America. And it is powered by the finest journalists in the world.
“The correspondents, producers, researchers and crews who work tirelessly to bring you the news every night.
“That won’t change because journalism matters.
“I know that because I’ve heard that from so many of you, our viewers.
“So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting us and welcoming hard news with heart into your homes.
“I will miss you too, but I will see you on CBS News programs including Mornings, 60 Minutes, Sunday Morning, and in primetime.
“So for the final time, that’s tonight’s CBS Evening News,” she said as she was flanked by her colleagues.
“I owe it all to everyone I work with. Seriously. Love you. Good night.”
