In a memo to staff, Owens wrote:
In recent months, it has become apparent that I will not have the freedom to lead as I have in the past, to make decisions independently based on what was best for ’60 Minutes’ and its audience.
It resonates with me: “I would not be allowed to run the show as I have always run it.” Indeed, there is now an expectation for more transparency and a departure from allowing personal biases to influence the stories.
He continued:
“To make independent decisions based on what was right for ’60 Minutes,’ right for the audience.” Therefore, after tirelessly defending the show and its values from all perspectives, I have decided to step down to enable the show to progress.
“The show is too important to the country, it has to continue, just not with me as the Executive Producer.”
Bill Owens’s full memo to “60 Minutes” staff: pic.twitter.com/tHQvAajVRm
— Michael M. Grynbaum (@grynbaum) April 22, 2025
